JagranJosh CA Feb 2022

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MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

FEBRUARY 2022
YOUR GUIDE TO MOST

IMPORTANT CURRENT
AFFAIRS AND EVENTS OF
THE MONTH.
IAS | BANKING | SSC | NDA/CDS | AND OTHER COMPETITIVE EXAMS
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Current Affairs | February 2022
Contents
ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Schedule, Match Timings, Venues, Teams, Points Table 1
COVID-19 Fourth Wave India: IIT Kanpur experts predict 4th wave around June, peak in ... 7
UNSC votes for emergency UNGA session on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, India abstains... 9
Operation Ganga: Govt launches plan to evacuate Indians from Ukraine; sets up 24x7 he... 12
National Science Day 2022: Know Theme, History and 5 interesting facts about CV Raman 15
Sports Ban on Russia: FIFA, UEFA suspend all Russian clubs and teams 18
Ukraine moves International Court of Justice against Russia 22
What is Swift Payment System? How will its ban affect Russia? 24
PM Modi speaks with Ukrainian President; Indians stranded in Ukraine advised to carry... 28
Russia Ukraine crisis: Why India abstained from voting on UNSC resolution on Russia-U... 31
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev to replace Novak Djokovic as world’s No. 1 Tennis Player 33
Current Affairs Today Headline- 26 February 2022 35
Explained: Will Russia Ukraine war Impact on India? Know What it Means 37
Russia Ukraine War: Why did Russia take over Chernobyl? 39
Russia-Ukraine crisis: PM Modi speaks to President Putin, appeals for immediate end o... 41
National War Memorial's 3rd Anniversary Know 10 Key Facts 43
Current Affairs Today Headline -25 February 2022 46
Ukraine vs Russia Military Power Comparison: Know Fighting Strengths of both nations 48
India sets up 24x7 control room to assist Indian nationals in Ukraine, to activate al... 53
What is NATO and What is it's purpose? How many Countries are in NATO? 56
Copyright © www.jagranjosh.com
Putin Russia Ukraine War: Russia destroys Ukraine's Airbases, Why did Russia attack U... 60
Army Chief presents President’s Colours to four battalions of Parachute Regiment 66
Cobra Warrior 2022: IAF to participate in multi-nation Air Exercise 68
Assembly Elections 2022: UP Elections 2022 phase 4 polls underway in 59 constituencie... 70
Sanjeev Sanyal appointed as a full-time member of Economic Advisory Council to PM 72
Veteran Malayalam actor KPAC Lalitha passes away: Mamooty, Revathi, Prithviraj, CM Pi... 74
Ukraine Crisis: What are the Economic Sanctions against Russia? 76
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa beats Chess King Magnus Carlsen in Airthings Masters - Get ... 81
India's Economic Outlook FY 2022-23 83
CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022: Key Highlights 86
NASA to retire International Space Station in January 2031, to fall in the Pacific Oc... 89
Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka appointed CFO of Jet Airways 91
Russian President recognizes two Ukraine separatist regions as independent 93
Airthings Masters: Praggnanandhaa, 16-year old Indian beats World No.1 Carlsen in onl... 97
World Thinking Day 2022: Theme, History and why the day is significant? 100
Gujarat Titans Logo: Gujarat Titans unveil team logo in metaverse- Check Full Squad 102
Fifth Fodder Scam Case verdict: Lalu Prasad Yadav sentenced to 5 years in prison, fin... 105
International Mother Language Day 2022: Why is it Celebrated and Mother Tongues in In... 107
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Goutham Reddy passes away due to heart attack 110
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022: Winners Lists; Know Who Won... 112
UP, Punjab Assembly Polls 2022: Voting underway in 59 seats in UP, 117 seats in Punja... 115
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2022: Quotes, History and Significance 117
2008 Ahmedabad Blast Case Verdict: Special Court sentences 38 to death, 11 to life im... 121
Ranji Trophy 2022: Schedule, Groups, Teams, Squads, Timings, Points Table, Live Strea... 123
INS Visakhapatnam test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile 136
Centre resumes biometric system for employees, stops work from home 140
Ratan Tata awarded Assam's highest state civilian award Asom Baibhav 141
Centre asks all states, UTs to end additional COVID-19 restrictions 143
Google Doodle pays tribute to Michiaki Takahashi- World's First Chickenpox Vaccine De... 145
Malayalam actor Kottayam Pradeep passes away at 61: Know about his most memorable rol... 147
Lassa Fever cases detected in UK, Know Symptoms, Severity, Treatment and History 151
BWF Asia Team Championships 2022: India Schedule, Points Table, Groups, Teams, Player... 154
Saudi Land Forces Commander pays historic visit to India 159
Assam to change name of cities contrary to Indian culture 161
Veteran singer Bappi Lahiri passes away at 69 165
Kala Ramachandran appointed as Gurugram's first woman Police Commissioner 168
World Sustainable Development Summit 2022: PM Modi to deliver inaugural address on Fe... 170
Biological E's Corbevax vaccine approved for 12-18 year olds 172
Russia-Ukraine crisis: India advises its nationals, students to consider leaving Ukra... 174
Ilker Ayci turns down offer to be new Air India CEO 178
IPL Auction 2022: List of sold and unsold Players in IPL Mega Auction 180
Assembly Elections 2022: Voting underway in UP, Goa and Uttarakhand- Check voter turn... 193
New Chinese App Ban in India List: India to ban 54 Chinese Apps citing security threa... 196
World Radio Day 2022: Theme, Date, History and Significance 203
Business Icon Rahul Bajaj - Chairman of Bajaj Auto, passes away at the age of 83 205
SEBI bans Reliance Home Finance, Anil Ambani and 3 others from securities market 207
Australia Lists Koalas As Endangered Species due to Declining Numbers 211
Surat to be India's 1st Bullet Train Station by December 2024, Check Details Here 213
Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS): Centre issues gazette notification to unif... 215
Quad Foreign Ministers Meet: EAM S Jaishankar calls for Free and Open Indo-Pacific 217
TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Where to Watch Live Streaming, Latest Updates on IPL 2022... 219
RailTel wins ICAI Award for excellence in financial reporting 227
Current Affairs Today Headline - 11 February 2022 229
Most Congested Cities in the World 2021: Mumbai ranked 5th, Bengaluru 10th, Delhi 11t... 231
India bans import of foreign drones 233
UP Elections 2022: Phase I voting begins, 58 seats go to polls 235
RBI Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Review: RBI projects real GDP Growth at 7.8% for FY23,... 237
ISRO successfully launches EOS-04 radar imaging satellite, two others 242
ICC Player of the Month January 2022: Keegan Petersen, Heather Knight ICC Players of ... 244
Jammu and Kashmir first UT to be integrated with National Single Window System 246
Next Covid variant likely to be more infectious, possibly deadlier: WHO 248
Oscar Nominations 2022: 94th Academy Awards Announced - See Full List Of Oscar Nomine... 250
Govt warns Google Chrome users against 'High-severity' Cyber Attacks, Here's How to c... 259
Aadhaar not mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination: Centre to SC 261
Reimagining Museums Global Summit 2022: Culture Ministry to organise first of its kin... 262
Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest person 264
BCCI keen to launch women's IPL in 2023 266
Praveen Kumar Sobti, Mahabharat's Bheem passes away at 74 268
Gujarat Titans new name of Ahmedabad IPL team- Check Ahmedabad captain, players list 272
Australia reopens borders to foreign tourists after almost 2 years 274
Who is Arif Khan? India's sole competitor at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 276
Potentially Hazardous asteroid heading towards Earth, to make a close pass in March 279
Single-Dose Sputnik Light Vaccine gets emergency use approval in India 281
Lata Mangeshkar passes away at 92, leaves behind rich musical legacy 285
India wins ICC Under 19 World Cup 2022 for record 5th time, Check list of past wins 290
India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final 2022 Live streaming: When and where to watch... 293
Queen Elizabeth II to become first British monarch to rule for 70 years 298
UP Best State Tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022, Maharashtra popular choice 301
Winter Olympics 2022: India announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2... 303
World Cancer Day 2022: Theme, History, Significance and Top 7 Quotes 305
PM Modi inaugurates Statue of Equality, kickstarts ICRISAT's 50th anniversary celebra... 310
Chandrayaan 3 launch scheduled for August 2022: Union Minister Jitendra Singh 312
What are Sovereign Green Bonds announced in Budget 2022? | Explainer of the Day 314
India becomes first team to qualify for four consecutive U19 World Cup finals 317
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell wins ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021 319
Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year 2022 Award 324
Hoysala temples in Karnataka nominated for World Heritage Sites list 2022-23 327
PR Sreejesh becomes second Indian to win World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 award 329
Lieutenant General PGK Menon appointed as new Military Secretary in Army Headquarters 331
IPL 2022 Player Auction List: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Ashwin, Warner, Cummins, ... 335
Union Budget 2022-23: What Got Costlier and What Got Cheaper; Check Full List Here 337
Budget 2022: Decoding FM’s Speech for Govt Job Exams | Current Affairs 339
Capex Budget 2022: Capital Expenditure Hike by 30%, Check Key Highlights Here 347
Crypto Budget 2022 Highlights: Digital Rupee to be Issued; Check Tax on Crypto in Ind... 349
Income Tax Budget 2022: No change in Income Tax slabs, 30 percent tax on virtual asse... 351
ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Schedule,

Match Timings, Venues, Teams, Points Table
ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Hosts New Zealand will face West Indies at Bay Oval Tauranga
in Mount Maunganui in the opening match of ICC Women's World Cup 2022 on March 4, 2022.
The Women's World Cup will see eight teams clashing from March 4 to April 3, 2022.
The eight competing teams in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 include hosts New Zealand,
defending champions England, India, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies and
Bangladesh.
India will begin its campaign in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 with its opening match
against Pakistan on March 6th at Bay Oval. The Women's World Cup 2022 will comprise 31
matches, which will be played at six different venues in New Zealand.
ICC Womens World Cup 2022 dates
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Opening Match- March 4th, Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui,
Tauranga.
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Final- April 3rd, Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
India's Opening Match- India vs Pakistan, March 6th at Bay Oval.
Read Also: Cricket Legend Shane Warne passes away at 52
ICC Womens World Cup 2022 Venues
The six venues of the ICC Women’s World Cup include Hagley Oval (Christchurch), Bay Oval
(Mount Maunganui), Basin Reserve (Wellington), University Oval (Dunedin), Eden Park
(Auckland) and Seddon Park (Hamilton).
Full Schedule of ICC Women's World Cup 2022: Fixtures, Match Timings, Venues
Dates Matches Venue Time (IST
Copyright © www.jagranjosh.com Page 1 of 355

Bay Oval, Mount

March 4, 2022 New Zealand vs West Indies 6:30 AM
Maunganui
University Oval,
March 5, 2022 Bangladesh vs South Africa 3:30 AM
Dunedin
March 5, 2022 Australia vs England Seddon Park, Hamilton 6:30 AM
Bay Oval, Mount

March 6, 2022 Pakistan vs India 6:30 AM
Maunganui
University Oval,
March 7, 2022 New Zealand vs Bangladesh 3:30 AM
Dunedin
Bay Oval, Mount
March 8, 2022 Australia vs Pakistan 6:30 AM
Maunganui
University Oval,
March 9, 2022 West Indies vs England 3:30 AM
Dunedin
Seddon Park,
March 10, 2022 New Zealand vs India 6:30 AM
Hamilton
Bay Oval, Mount
March 11, 2022 Pakistan vs South Africa 6:30 AM
Maunganui
Seddon Park,
March 12, 2022 West Indies vs India 6:30 AM
Hamilton
Basin Reserve,
March 13, 2022 New Zealand vs Australia 3:30 AM
Wellington
March 14, 2022 Pakistan vs Bangladesh Seddon Park, Hamilton 3:30 AM
Bay Oval, Mount

March 14, 2022 South Africa vs England 6:30 AM
Maunganui
Basin Reserve,
March 15, 2022 Australia vs West Indies 3:30 AM
Wellington
Bay Oval, Mount
March 16, 2022 England vs India 6:30 AM
Maunganui

March 17, 2022 New Zealand vs South Africa Seddon Park, Hamilton 6:30 AM
Bay Oval, Mount

March 18, 2022 Bangladesh vs West Indies 3:30 AM
Maunganui
March 19, 2022 India vs Australia Eden Park, Auckland 6:30 AM
March 20, 2022 New Zealand vs England Eden Park, Auckland 3:30 AM
March 21, 2022 West Indies vs Pakistan Seddon Park, Hamilton 6:30 AM
Basin Reserve,
March 22, 2022 South Africa vs Australia 3:30 AM
Wellington
Seddon Park,
March 22, 2022 India vs Bangladesh 6:30 AM
Hamilton
Basin Reserve,
March 24, 2022 South Africa vs West Indies 3:30 AM
Wellington
Hagley Oval,
March 24, 2022 England vs Pakistan 6:30 AM
Christchurch
Basin Reserve,
March 25, 2022 Bangladesh vs Australia 3:30 AM
Wellington
Hagley Oval,
March 26, 2022 New Zealand vs Pakistan 6:30 AM
Christchurch
Basin Reserve,
March 27, 2022 England vs Bangladesh 3:30 AM
Wellington
Hagley Oval,
March 27, 2022 India vs South Africa 6:30 AM
Christchurch
Semi-final stage
Basin Reserve,
March 30, 2022 TBC vs TBC 3:30 AM
Wellington
Hagley Oval,
March 31, 2022 TBC vs TBC 6:30 AM
Christchurch
ICC Women's World Cup Final 2022
Hagley Oval,
April 3, 2022 TBC vs TBC 6:30 AM
Christchurch
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Squads

ICC Women's World Cup 2022 India squad: Mithali Raj (C), Harmanpreet Kaur (VC), Smriti,
Shafali, Yastika, Deepti, Richa Ghosh (WK), Sneh Rana, Jhulan, Pooja, Meghna Singh, Renuka
Singh Thakur, Taniya (WK), Rajeshwari, Poonam
Standby players-S. Meghna, Ekta Bisht, Simran Dil Bahadur.
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (c), Amy Satterthwaite,
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess
Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Frances Mackay, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Standby players-Molly Penfold
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont,
Katherine Brunt, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone,
Natasha Farrant, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield-Hill,
Danielle Wyatt
Standby players- Lauren Bell, Mady Villiers
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Australia squad: Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC),
Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen,
Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland,
Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Standby players- Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Nida Dar (vc), Aiman
Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan,
Muneeba Ali, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk)
Standby players- Iram Javed, Najiha Alvi and Tuba Hassan
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 South Africa Squad: Sune Luus (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin
Brits, Lara Goodall, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim
Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Tumi Sekhukhune,
Trisha Chetty (wk)
Standby players- Raisibe Ntozakhe, Nadine de Klerk, Andrie Steyn

ICC Women's World Cup 2022 Bangladesh Squad: Nigar Sultana (c), Salma Khatun, Rumana
Ahmed, Fargana Hoque, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana, Fahima Khatun, Ritu Moni, Murshida
Khatun, Nahida Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Lata Mondal, Sobhana Mostary, Fariha Trisna, Suraiya
Azmin
Standby players-Nuzhat Tasnia, Sanjida Akter
ICC Women's World Cup 2022 West Indies Squad: Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Anisa
Mohammed (Vice-Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra
Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews,
Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman and Rashada Williams.
Standby players-Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru and Jannillea Glasgow
Read more: ICC Women's World Cup 2022 India Squad: Mithali Raj to lead, Shikha Pandey
and Jemimah Rodrigues excluded
ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 Live Telecast, Live Streaming Details in India
How to watch ICC Womens World Cup 2022?
The ICC Women's World Cup 2022 will be telecasted by the Star Sports Network in India, Sri
Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan. The channels were the matches will be telecasted include-
Star Sports 2/HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 1 Hindi.
ICC Womens World Cup 2022 Points Table

TEAM Match Win Loss Tie N/R PT
INDIA WOMEN - - - - - -
AUSTRALIA WOMEN - - - - - -
ENGLAND WOMEN - - - - - -
NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 1 - 1 - -0.060 -
PAKISTAN WOMEN - - - - - -
SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN - - - - - -
WEST INDIES WOMEN 1 1 - - +0.060 2
BANGLADESH WOMEN - - - - - -
How to watch ICC Women's World Cup 2022 live streaming?
The ICC Women's World Cup 2022 live streaming can be viewed in India on Disney+ Hotstar.
Background

England is the defending champion of the ICC Women's World Cup after they defeated
India in the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. The Women’s World Cup was originally
scheduled to take place in 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Fourth Wave India: IIT Kanpur

experts predict 4th wave around June, peak
in August
COVID-19 Fourth Wave India: COVID-19 fourth wave is predicted to begin in India around June
22 and expected to continue till October 24, as per IIT Kanpur experts.
The fourth wave is predicted to last for at least four months, as per the researchers. The peak of
the 4th wave of COVID-19 in India is expected to be from August 15 to 31 and decline after that.
The statistical prediction was published on the preprint server MedRxiv on February 24.
Significance
The prediction by IIT Kanpur experts is significant, as it is the third time that they have predicted a
Covid-19 wave in the country. Their predictions have been almost accurate even about the third
wave of Covid-19.
Will the 4th wave of Covid-19 be severe?
The severity of a fourth wave will depend on the emergence of new variants and the vaccination
status of people including booster dose administration, as per the experts.
WHO epidemiologist and technical lead on Covid-19 Dr Maria Van Kerkhove has also warned that
the next variant of COVID-19 will be more transmissible, and perhaps, more deadly than its
predecessors because it will have to overtake what is currently circulating.
Dr. Kerkhove stressed that the pandemic is far from over and future variants will be in some way
more virulent than Omicron is now.
COVID fourth wave in India
- The 4th wave of Covid-19 is expected to begin in India around June 22 and continue till
October 24 with peak on August 23.
- The research was conducted by three researchers of mathematics and statistics departmet of
IIT Kanpur- Subhra Sankar Dhar, Sabara Parshad Rajeshbhai and Shalabh.

- The team of researchers have used a statistical model for their prediction. They used a
method called “Bootstrap” to com- pute the confidence interval of the time point of the peak of
a fourth wave.
- They said that fourth wave in India may arrive after 936 days from the initial data availability
date of the Covid-19 outbreak, which is January 30, 2020 when the first case of COVID-19
was officially registered in India.
- The method can be used to forecast a fourth and other waves in other countries as well.
Background
Several countries have already witnessed the third wave and a few have also started to face the
fourth and higher waves of the pandemic. The third wave of Covid-19 was predicted in India using
the concept of a mixture of Gaussian distribution based on the data of Zimbabwe.The forecast for
the third wave was almost correct and motivated by the study, the researchers investigated the
forecasting of a fourth wave in India.
Read more: Impact on Russia-Ukraine war on sports: Check below 15 major sporting
fallouts
Why did Russia take Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant | Map of Russia and Ukraine Conflict

UNSC votes for emergency UNGA session on

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, India abstains
from voting
The United Nations Security Council voted on February 27, 2022 in favour of holding an
emergency special session of the 193-member UN General Assembly over Russia's invasion of
Ukraine. The emergency UN General Assembly session will be held today.
Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly will
preside over the Session. The proposal to convene the General Assembly session was adopted
with 11 voting in favour, Russia voting against and India, China and the United Arab Emirates
abstaining from the vote.
The request to hold the emergency UNGA comes after Russia vetoed a US-led draft Security
Council resolution on Russia on February 25, 2022.
An emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly to be held today at 10 am
(New York time). Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General
Assembly will preside over the Session. pic.twitter.com/2Q6XE2EobI
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022
Read Also: Ukraine moves International Court of Justice against Russia
What is Swift Payment System? How will its ban affect Russia?
Why did Russia not veto proposal to hold emergency UNGA session?
Russia could not veto the decision to hold the emergency UNGA session as the request was
procedural. None of the five permanent UN Security Council members could use their vetoes. The
proposal just needed nine votes to pass and it received 11 in total.
What is Resolution ‘Uniting for Peace’?
The UN General Assembly has held 10 emergency special sessions since 1950 under the
resolution 377A(V), 'Uniting for Peace.' As per the resolution, an emergency special session can
be convened iwthin 24 hours.

Resolution 377A(V) gives the UN General Assembly the power to take up matters of international
peace and security when the Security Council is unable to act due to lack of unanimity among its
five veto-wielding permanent members.
11th emergency UNGA Session
- The UN General Assembly is expected to vote on a resolution similar to the one that was
taken up by the Security Council on February 25th.
- The UNGA resolutions are non-binding but they carry political weight as they express the will
of the wider UN membership.
- US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, "By calling for an emergency
special session of the General Assembly, we have recognized that this is no ordinary moment
and that we need to take extraordinary steps to confront this threat to our international
system.”
- The United States is one of the countries that had requested the meeting.
Read Also:
What is NATO and What is it's purpose? How many Countries are in NATO?
Black Sea: Bordering Countries, Map, Location, Why is it called Black Sea, Key Facts
Past 10 emergency UNGA sessions
10th Session- Illegal Israel actions in East Jerusalem and Palestinian Territory (June 13, 2018)
9th Session- Situation in Occupied Arab Countries (January 29-February 5, 1982)
8th Session- Question of Namibia (September 13-14, 1981)
7th Session- Question of Palestine ( July 22-29, 1980)
6th Session- Situation in Afghanistan ( January 10-14, 1980)
5th Session- Middle East (June 17-18, 1967)
4th Session- Question of Congo (September 17-19, 1960)
3rd Session- Middle East (August 8-21, 1958)

2nd Session- Hungary (November 4-10, 1956)
1st Session – Middle East (November 1-10, 1956)
Read more: Impact on Russia-Ukraine war on sports: Check below 15 major sporting
fallouts
Russia Ukraine crisis: Why India abstained from voting on UNSC resolution on Russia-
Ukraine conflict?

Operation Ganga: Govt launches plan to

evacuate Indians from Ukraine; sets up 24x7
helpline to assist evacuation
What is Operation Ganga?: The Government of India, amidst the conflict between Russia and
Ukraine, on February 27, 2022, launched ‘Operation Ganga’ to evacuate around 15,000
Indians in Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh V Shringla said in a statement that the
Indian Government will bear the entire cost of the evacuation process in war-torn Ukraine.
Under Operation Ganga, the Government has also announced that evacuation flights are
operated from the neighbouring countries such as Romania and Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland.
As per the data by the Ministry of External Affairs, around 20,000 Indians are stuck in Ukraine.
4,000 were able to come to India before the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Operation Ganga: How Government is assisting Indians stuck in Ukraine?
Flights for evacuation of Indian citizens via neighboring countries
Because of the closing of Ukrainian Airspace, the Central Government under Operation Ganga
has been operating Indian evacuation flights out of Romanian Capital Bucharest and the Capital
of Hungary Budapest.
Under Operation Ganga, the first flight of Air India carrying 219 Indian evacuees from Ukraine had
landed in Mumbai Airport from Bucharest.
List of flights for operation Ganga for Evacuation of Indians from Ukraine via neighboring
countries: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla pic.twitter.com/AmrOrxHeuA
24x7 control centers established
Under Operation Ganga, the Government of India has set up several 24x7 Control Centers to
assist the evacuation of Indian Nationals in Ukraine through the border crossing points with
Romania, Poland, Slovak Republic, and Hungary.

‘OpGanga Helpline’: A dedicated Twitter Account
A dedicated Twitter account named ‘OpGanga’ Helpline has also been set up to assist Operation
Ganga. The control room continues to function on a 24x7 basis.
24x7 Control Centres set up to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals through the border
crossing points with Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovak
Republichttps://t.co/uMI1Wu5Jwd#OperationGanga pic.twitter.com/UXF1NVBFcr
— OpGanga Helpline (@opganga) February 27, 2022

Operation Ganga: Govt to bring 15,000 Indian citizens from Ukraine
As per the Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia informed that till now, three Air India Flights-
one from Bucharest to Mumbai and three from Budapest to Delhi- have been able to bring back
approx. 700 Indians from Ukraine to India.
The third flight of Operation Ganga carrying 240 Indian Nationals had taken off from Budapest to
Delhi while on February 27, a fourth flight, which was carrying around 198 stranded Indians from
Bucharest had left for India.
The Indian embassy had also issued an advisory for the Indian citizens not to move to any of the
border posts without prior coordination with the Indian Government officials at the border posts
and the emergency numbers of the Indian Embassy.
Operation Ganga: Union Ministers to go to neighbouring countries of Ukraine
In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi, it has been decided that the Union
Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hardeep Singh Puri, Kiren Rijiju, and Gen (Retd) VK Singh will
travel to the neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate the evacuation mission and to help
the students.
Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Gen (Retd) VK Singh to
travel to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate the evacuation mission and help
students: Govt sources#RussiaUkraineCrisis pic.twitter.com/DbaQ6U47KQ

Background
The rescue of the Indian Citizens under ‘Operation Ganga’ has come as the Russian Military
continues to advance in the Capital of Ukraine. Explosions in parts of Kyiv were heard on

February 25, 2022, as the Russian forces approached the cities.
Even though there are reports that Ukraine and Russia are discussing a place and time for talks,
several videos from eyewitnesses have shown explosions taking place in the Capital city of
Ukraine.

National Science Day 2022: Know Theme,

History and 5 interesting facts about CV
Raman
National Science Day 2022 India: India celebrates National Science Day every year on
February 28. National Science Day 2022 recognizes the contributions of scientists towards the
development of India which helped the country in marking its place in the world. National
Science Day also holds great prominence as it was on this day in 1928 that the Indian Physicist
Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman made a significant discovery in the field of Spectroscopy.
The discovery was later named after him and was known as the ‘Raman Effect’.
National Science Day 2022 provides an opportunity to look up to great scientists of India whose
discoveries made this country a renowned nation. Continue to read below to know more about
National Science Day 2022 and find 5 interesting facts about CV Raman.
National Science Day 2022 Date
National Science Day 2022 is observed every year in India on February 28 to mark an important
discovery by CV Raman in the field of Spectroscopy.
National Science Day greetings to all scientists and science enthusiasts. Let us reaffirm our
commitment towards fulfilling our collective scientific responsibility and leveraging the power of
science for human progress.
Here is what I had said during #MannKiBaat yesterday. pic.twitter.com/gEM2yFUSJI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2022

National Science Day 2022 Theme
The theme of National Science Day 2022 is ‘Integrated approach in Science and Technology for
Sustainable Future’. National Science Day 2022 theme was announced by the Union Minister Dr.
Jitendra Singh in January 2022.
The theme of National Science Day highlights a folds integrated approach for science and
technology for a sustainable future.

National Science Day 2022 History
In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had asked
the Government of India to announce February 28 as the National Science Day in India.
The Government of India declared the day as National Science Day. The country celebrated the
first National Science Day on February 28, 1987.
National Science Day 2022: Significance
India celebrates National Science every year to raise awareness on the significance of Science in
the country.
National Science Day is celebrated across India by National Institutions by organizing public
speeches, TV, radio, science movies, science exhibitions on themes and concepts, quiz
competitions, debates and lectures, and science model competitions.
National Science Day 2022: Why is it celebrated on February 28?
On February 28, 1928, CV Raman had made a significant discovery in the field of Spectroscopy.
The discovery was later named after him and was known as the ‘Raman Effect’.
What is Raman Effect?
Professor CV Raman created interest in this phenomenon on his trip to Europe where he got
curious to know the reason behind the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea. This curiosity further
led him to conduct various experiments with ice blocks, transparent surfaces, and light. Raman
further observed a change in the wavelength after light passed through the ice cubes.
With the use of a spectrograph that was developed by him, CV Raman discovered that when light
traverses a transparent material, the deflected changes its wavelength and frequency. This
phenomenon which they called 'modified scattering' was later termed the 'Raman Effect' or
Raman Scattering.
National Science Day 2022: 5 Interesting facts about CV Raman
1. In 1930, CV Raman received a Nobel Prize for his discovery in the field of Spectroscopy. He
became the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in any branch of Science.
2. CV Raman had completed his secondary and higher secondary education at the ages of 11

and 13, respectively.
3. In 1917, CV Raman was appointed the first Palit Professor of Physics at the Rajabazar
Science College under Calcutta University.
4. In 1926, CV Raman founded the Indian Journal of Physics. In 1933, he moved to Bangalore
to become the first Indian Director of the Indian Institute of Science. He also founded the Indian
Academy of Science in the same year.
5. In 1948, CV Raman established the Raman Research Institute where he worked until his last
days.
Also Read: Impact on Russia-Ukraine war on sports: Check below 15 major sporting
fallouts

Sports Ban on Russia: FIFA, UEFA suspend

all Russian clubs and teams
Russia Sports Ban: FIFA and UEFA on February 28, 2022 suspended all Russian teams and
clubs from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice. The decisions
were taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA. This
means that Russia, which hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2018 will no longer feature in this year’s
edition in Qatar.
This comes after several European teams including England, Poland, Sweden and the Czech
Republic refused to play against Russia in the World Cup 2022 playoffs. FIFA Council had
earlier barred the Russian football team from participating under the name of 'Russia' and has
also banned the Russian flag and anthem from all its matches.
FIFA and UEFA together released a statement saying, “Football is fully united here and in full
solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in
Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and
peace amongst people.”
There are also calls to ban Russian athletes from the Paralympic Games, which are
scheduled to take place between March 4-13.
Read Also: Ukraine moves International Court of Justice against Russia
Read Also: What is Swift Payment System? How will its ban affect Russia?
Russia-Ukraine War Impact on Sports: Check below 15 major sporting fallouts over
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
1. The International Judo Federation has suspended Vladimir Putin as Honorary President
and Ambassador of the federation in the light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The federation has
also cancelled its May 20-22 Grand Slam event in Kazan, Russia.
2. FIFA throws Russia out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after its global governing body and
UEFA together suspended all Russian national teams and clubs from all international
competitions. The Russian men's football team had qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022

playoffs, while the women's side had qualified for the European Championship in England.
3. Several teams including England, France, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland,
Norway, Scotland, Switzerland, Sweden, Wales had refused to play against Russia in solidarity
with Ukraine at the time of its worst crisis. World champions France had called for Russia to be
thrown out of 2022 World Cup.
FIFA/UEFA suspend Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions
https://t.co/Q2htzW3W9z pic.twitter.com/LFo1bUtqmm
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 28, 2022
4. UEFA has decided to relocate the Champions League final, which was scheduled to be
held in Saint Petersburg in Russia, to the Stade de France in Paris. UEFA has also ended its
sponsorship agreement with the Russian energy giant Gazprom.
5. Formula One has cancelled the 2022 Russian Grand Prix saying it was "impossible" to do
so after the country launched an invasion on neighbouring Ukraine. The race was scheduled to
begin from September 25 at Sochi's Olympic park.
A statement on the Russian Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/OZbbu9Z8ip
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 25, 2022
6. The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged all
International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned
in Russia or Belarus. The EB reiterated IOC’s strong condemnation of the breach of the Olympic
Truce by the Russian and Belarus government. The Olympic Truce had begun seven days before
the start of the Winter Olympic Games, on 4 February 2022, and ends seven days after the
closing of the Paralympic Games, which is scheduled to take place between March 4-13. The IOC
EB further urged all International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports
events currently planned in Russia or Belarus.
7. The IOC EB has also urged that no Russian or Belarussian national flag shall be displayed
and no Russian or Belarussian anthem will be played in international sports events that are
not already part of the respective World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia.
8. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) also informed that the Chess Olympiad and FIDE
Congress will not take place in Moscow later this year. The federation is trying its best to find

another organiser.
9. European football clubs are also cutting ties with Russian companies. Chelsea's Russian
owner Roman Abramovich has handed over control of the club to the team's foundation trustees,
amid speculation he could possibly face sanctions over the Ukraine crisis. English Premier
League football club Manchester United has withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot's
sponsorship rights. The airline has also been banned from flying to the United Kingdom and its
foreign carrier permit has been suspended.
10. Five World Cup skiing events that were scheduled to be held in Russia this weekend and next
month have been cancelled by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and are likely to held at
some other venue.
11. The World Curling Federation Board stripped the Russian city of Perm of the European
Curling Championships, which were scheduled for May, in an emergency meetinG.
12. The Board of European Aquatics has postponed women's water polo Euro League quarter-
final game, which was scheduled to be held in Russia.
13. The global governing body for swimming, FINA has also called off men's water polo World
League match that was scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg next month.
14. An Artistic Swimming and Diving World Series event that was scheduled to be held in Kazan
in April has also been cancelled.
15. The International Tennis Federation also has events scheduled in Russia and Ukraine. The
federation is monitoring the current situation closely and will then take a decision.
Read Also: What is NATO and What is it's purpose? How many Countries are in NATO?
Why did Russia take Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant | Map of Russia and Ukraine Conflict
Exception
The International volleyball federation has decided to go ahead with the men's world
championship, which is to be held in Russia in August.
Read Also: How will Russia-Ukraine conflict impact India?

Read More: Why did Russia attack Ukraine

Ukraine moves International Court of Justice

against Russia
Ukraine has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Russia's
unprovoked invasion. This comes on the 4th day of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine amid
clashes between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers in Kharkiv, the second-largest city of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted informing that Ukraine has submitted its
application against Russia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He said that Russia must be
held accountable for manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression.
He further requested an urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect
trials to start next week.
Ukraine has submitted its application against Russia to the ICJ. Russia must be held accountable
for manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression. We request an urgent decision
ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect trials to start next week.
— (@ZelenskyyUa) February 27, 2022
Read More: Indians stranded in Ukraine advised to carry Indian Flag on vehicles
Ukraine army retakes Kharkiv
Ukrainian forces have secure full control of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, following
street fighting with Russian troops, informed Governor of Kharkiv Oblast Oleh Synegubo. He said
that after heavy fighting overnight, Ukraine regained control over Kharkiv, a regional capital in
eastern Ukraine.
#BREAKING Putin accuses Ukraine of wasting 'opportunity' for talks

pic.twitter.com/5w6LGCcwPT
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 27, 2022

Ukraine President calls on foreign volunteers to fight invading Russian forces
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged foreigners who are interested in joining an
international brigade of volunteers to help fight invading Russian forces, to head to Ukrainian
embassies world wide. Zelensky said that, "this is not just a Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is

the beginning of a war against Europe."
#UPDATE Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged anyone interested in joining the
international brigade to get in contact with the military attache at their nearest Ukrainian
embassyhttps://t.co/F425sD0A58 pic.twitter.com/6hvSW9lbYN
Read Also: How will Russia-Ukraine impact India?
Ukraine ready for talks with Russia at Belarus border
Ukraine has agreed to hold talks with Russia at its border with Belarus, near the Chernobyl
exclusion zone, after a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belarusian
leader Alexander Lukashenko.
This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is willing to hold talks
with Russia but only in a country " from which missiles aren't flying,"
Ukraine has proposed meeting in Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul or Baku instead.
Zelensky said in a video address, “We want to talk, we want to end the war." He hadrejected
the idea of meeting in Belarus, as the nation has joined Russia in attacking Ukraine.
Belarus is being used as a launch pad by Russia to attack Ukraine from the north. A referendum
set to be held today is set to allow Russia to place nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus.
According to Russian president’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, "Russian delegation arrived in

Belarus for talks with Ukraine."
The Russian President has reportedly ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces on alert,
according to the Kyiv Independent.
BREAKING: Putin orders Russian nuclear deterrent forces on alert.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 27, 2022

What is Swift Payment System? How will its

ban affect Russia?
SWIFT Payment System: The European Union, along with the United States and other allies
plan to cut off Russia from the SWIFT Payment System. The decision has not been officially
issued yet but the technical preparations are ongoing, according to Ukrainian Foreign Affairs
Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
This comes after Hungary extended its support to cut off Russia from SWIFT. Hungary was the
last European Union country to oppose the measure. Japan has also joined its Western allies in
ejecting selected Russian banks from SWIFT.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on February 27, 2022 that Japan will impose
sanctions on Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin and extend $100 million in emergency humanitarian
aid to Ukraine.
Kuleba thanked "thousands of people, including the Ukrainian diaspora, who are putting pressure
on their governments to support this decision."
"Ukrainian diplomats dedicate this victory to the defenders of Ukraine,” he said.

Hungary now supports cutting Russia off SWIFT.
Hungary was the last EU country who opposed the measure.
Read More: PM Modi speaks with Ukrainian President; Indians stranded in Ukraine advised
to carry Indian Flag on vehicles
What is SWIFT?
SWIFT full form is The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.
SWIFT is an important facilitator of international banking and is used by more than 11,000
financial institutions and companies in over 200 countries and territories.

SWIFT Payment System: Five Key Facts
1. SWIFT is a Belgium-based co-operative that serves as an intermediary and executor of

financial transactions between banks worldwide.
2. Swift Transfer is also called International Money Transfer. SWIFT payment system does not
facilitate funds transfer but it sends payment orders, which must be settled by correspondent
accounts that the institutions have with each other.
3. In plain and simple terms, SWIFT is an international system, similar to gmail for banks and
international financial institutions, used to send written messages, including orders and
confirmations for payments, trades and currency exchanges.
4. It is overseen by multiple government banking systems including the European Central Bank,
the National Bank of Belgium and the US Federal Reserve System among others. It is
headquartered at La Hulpe in Belgium, near Brussels.
5. SWIFT ensures secure transport of financial messages. It does not hold accounts for its
members and nor does it perform any form of clearing or settlement.
6. The SWIFT bank system also sells software and services to financial institutions, mostly for use
on its proprietary "SWIFTNet" and ISO 9362 Business Identifier Codes (BICs), which are
popularly known as "SWIFT codes".
How will SWIFT ban affect Russia?
- If Russia is cut off from SWIFT banking system, it could hit Russian trade and make it harder
for Russian companies to do business.
- The move could potentially result in Russian companies losing access to smooth
transactions. The companies may face issues in receiving payments for energy products like
gas and oil.
- Without having the access to SWIFT system, the Russians will have to rely on fax and email
for cross-border transactions. This could potentially hamper Russian global trade.
- As per some experts, preventing Russia from using the network would be equivalent to a
nuclear attack on the country's economy.
- Russia was threatened with a similar sanction even when it had annexed Crimea in 2014.
The proposal to isolate Russia from the SWIFT network was floated then but it was not
implemented.

- At that time, the Russian finance minister had estimated that the country would suffer a
potential GDP contraction of 5 percent if US and its European allies cut Russia off from the
SWIFT network.
- Russia had accounted for 1.5 percent of total transactions on SWIFT in 2020.
Why Russia won't be impacted much by the SWIFT ban this time?
After facing economic sanctions in 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin has turned the country
into an economic fortress in the last eight years. As per experts, the sanctions would only cause
limited harm to Russia's economy now.
Russia has reportedly developed its own cross-border money transfer system, SPFS.
SPFS is the financial messaging system of the Bank of Russia. The system is not as advanced
and secure as SWIFT.
Russia is also a major oil and gas supplier in the world.
SWIFT Banking System History
SWIFT banking system was founded on May 3, 1973 in Brussels under the leadership of its
inaugural CEO, Carl Reuterskiöld.
The system is supported by 239 banks in 15 countries across the globe. Prior to it, the
international financial transactions were communicated over Telex, which was a public system
involving manual writing and reading of messages.
SWIFT is overseen by the G-10 central banks belonging to US, UK, Canada, Belgium, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden and the European Central
Bank. The lead overseer is the National Bank of Belgium.
The SWIFT framework was reviewed in 2012 and central banks of other major economies also
joined the G-10 central banks. The banks from other major economies include Reserve Bank of
India, Reserve Bank of Australia, Bank of Russia, People's Bank of China, Hong Kong Monetary
Authority, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, Bank of Korea, Monetary Authority of Singapore,
Central Bank of Turkey and South African Reserve Bank.

Read Also: How will Russia-Ukraine impact India?

PM Modi speaks with Ukrainian President;

Indians stranded in Ukraine advised to carry
Indian Flag on vehicles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February
26, 2022 and briefed him about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. PM Modi expressed his
deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and
Ukraine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine
President briefed the PM in detail about the ongoing conflict situation in Ukraine. PM expressed
his deep anguish about the loss of life and property due to the ongoing conflict: PMO
PM Modi also reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue,
and expressed India’s willingness to contribute in any way towards peace efforts.
He also conveyed India's deep concern for the safety and security of all Indian citizens, including
citizens present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by the Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and
safely evacuate Indian citizens from Ukraine.
PM also conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including
students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and
safely evacuate Indian citizens: PMO
Ukrainian President tweeted following the call saying, "Spoke with Indian Prime Minister
@narendramodi. Informed of the course of repulsing aggression. More than 100,000
invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged India to give
us political support in UN Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!"
Spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed of the course of repulsing aggression.
More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged
to give us political support in Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!
— (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022

Read more: Why did India abstain from voting on UNSC resolution on Russia-Ukraine
conflict?
India evacuating Indian nationals from Ukraine through bordering nations
The Embassy of India in Hungary issued an advisory earlier today for Indians to be evacuated
from Ukraine via Hungary.
Embassy of India in Hungary issues advisory for Indians to be evacuated from Ukraine via
Hungary pic.twitter.com/zmoiwgq7vX
The first evacuation flight carrying 219 passengers from Ukraine, landed in Maharashtra's
Mumbai after taking off from Romanian capital Bucharest this afternoon.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal personally received the Indian nationals safely evacuated from
Ukraine at the Mumbai airport.
Welcome back to the motherland!
Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai
airport.
Govt. led by PM @NarendraModi ji is working relentlessly to ensure safety of every Indian.

pic.twitter.com/fjuzjtNl9r
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 26, 2022
The Union Minister tweeted saying that the government is working in mission mode to ensure the
safety of Indian citizens.
Indian students stranded in Ukraine advised to carry national flag on vehicles
The Indian students stranded in Ukraine have been advised to carry the Indian National
Flag on their vehicles for their safe passage to Ukraine's borders.
PM Modi has reportedly spoken to heads of countries surrounding Ukraine to allow entry of Indian
nationals to facilitate their evacuation.
Indians travelling by buses, cars or two-wheelers have been requested to carry the Indian flag as

Russia has given its word to not harm the Indian students.

Russia Ukraine crisis: Why India abstained

from voting on UNSC resolution on Russia-
Ukraine conflict?
Russia Ukraine news: India on February 25, 2022, abstained on a United States-sponsored UN
Security Council resolution that disapproved in the strongest terms Russia’s aggression against
Ukraine. The Government of India explained that the dialogue is the only answer to settling
differences and disputes. It also voiced regret that the path of diplomacy has been given
up.
UNSC resolution against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, however, did not pass as the Permanent
member of the council Russia used its veto. In the 15-member United Nations Security Council
(UNSC), the resolution received 11 votes in favor and three abstentions, including by China,
India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Even though India tried to maintain a tough diplomatic balance on the Russia-Ukraine war, the
country used strong words on Russia’s actions in Ukraine but stopped short of voting against it.
#IndiainUNSC
UNSC’s consideration of the draft resolution on Ukraine
Watch: India’s Explanation of Vote by Permanent Representative @AmbTSTirumurti @MeaIndia

pic.twitter.com/UB2L5JLuyS
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) February 25, 2022

Why India abstained from voting against Russia?
India, after declaring its firm stand at the UNSC vote, issued a sharp Explanation of Vote that
called for a return to the path of diplomacy.
TS Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN while explaining India’s abstention

said, “India is deeply disturbed by a recent turn of developments in Ukraine.”
He further added, “All member states should honour principles of the international law and UN
Charter, as these provide a constructive way forward.” Tirumurti asserted that India has
maintained its consistent, steadfast, balanced position.

The statement by India also called for respecting the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of
the states and the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities.
India faces pressure from US for stronger response to Russia Ukraine war
Before the UNSC vote, the United States had dialed up pressure on India to commit to a stronger
response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On February 24, 2022, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken while speaking to the External
Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had stressed the significance of a strong collective response to
condemn what the US called Russia’s ‘premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on
Ukraine.’
However, India stayed firm on its stand of abstaining itself from the UNSC vote on the Russia
Ukraine war.
India abstains to vote on Russia Ukraine: What it means for the country?
By abstaining itself from voting on UNSC resolution on the Russian-Ukraine conflict, India has
retained an option of reaching out to the relevant sides in an effort to bridge the gap and in finding
the middle ground, with an aim to foster diplomacy and dialogue

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev to replace Novak

Djokovic as world’s No. 1 Tennis Player
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev is guaranteed to become the world’s No. 1 Tennis Player after reaching
the top spot in the ATP rankings on February 28, 2022. Medvedev will be crowned on top
following Novak Djokovic’s loss to Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis
Championships on February 24, 2022.
It will also be the first time that a player outside ‘Big Four’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak
Djokovic, and Andy Murray will be ranked as the World’s No. 1 Tennis Player in men. In 2004,
Andy Roddick had reached the top spot who was not among the ‘Big Four’. Novak Djokovic has
spent a record of 361 weeks at No.1 in the ATP rankings.
Guess what this guy's ranking is going to be next week @DaniilMedwed

pic.twitter.com/b9ixKJnbTy
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 24, 2022

How Daniil Medvedev will become World’s No.1 Tennis Player?
After his quarterfinal win in Acapulco on February 24, 2022, the Russian player Daniil Medvedev
is two wins away from starting his reign in the supreme style behind a 14th tour-level title.
Hours after his impending place atop the men’s game was confirmed, the Russian player
masterminded a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Yoshihito Nishioka at the Mexican Open. As per Medvedev,
it is not easy to play a match when you get this news during the day. He did not know that Novak
Djokovic’s loss guaranteed him a top spot until he started receiving congratulatory messages.
Who is Daniil Medvedev?
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev is a professional tennis player who will be ranked as World No. 1 by the
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), which he will achieve on February 28, 2022.
Medvedev has won 13 ATP tour singles titles, which also include the 2021 US Open and 2020
ATP Finals. In the former, Medvedev had defeated then World No. Novak Djokovic in the final
denying him the Grand Slam.

Daniil Medvedev was also the runner-up at the 2019 US Open, the 2021 Australian Open, and the
2022 Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic lose to qualifier Jiri Vesely
Qualifier Jiri Vesely, in Dubai, stunned the top seed and five-time Champion Novak Djokovic 6-4-
7-6 in order to reach the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Vesely will now be
playing Denis Shapovalov in one semi-final, and Audrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz will contest
the other.

Current Affairs Today Headline- 26 February

2022
National News
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has launched Polio National Immunization Day, as
part of the National Immunization Drive.
• Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate Health Ministry’s post Union Budget webinar on February 26,
2022. The objective will be to take stakeholders into taking forward various initiatives in the health
sector.
• Uttar Pradesh prepares for the fifth phase of assembly elections in the state. The state has been
going for polls in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7, 2022.
• Air India to operate two flights to Romanian Capital Bucharest and the Capital of Hungary
Budapest from Delhi and Mumbai on February 26 to evacuate stranded Indian Nationals who
reached the Ukraine border by road.
• India and Oman successfully conduct Eastern Bridge- VI Air Exercise.
• Indian Mission in Ukraine has advised the Indian citizens not to move to any of the border posts
without prior coordination.
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar receives a phone call from the Foreign Minister of
Ukraine. He shared his assessment of the current situation in the country.
• Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai inaugurates ‘GST taxpayer awareness

documentaries’.
• Amid the Ukraine crisis, the Government of Telangana has set up helplines to help the students
from the state who are stranded in Ukraine.
International News
• India and China abstain from voting on the United States-sponsored UNSC resolution on the

Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• President of United States Joe Biden nominates Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first black woman to
Supreme Court.
• US and European allies announced that they are stepping up sanctions over Russia’s invasion
of Ukraine by directly targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• President of China Jinping holds a telephonic conversation with the President of Russia Vladimir
Putin amid the Ukraine crisis.
• United Nations World Food Programme appeals for the funds to assist those who are affected
by Cyclone Emnati.
• Somalia extends the deadline for the completion of long-delayed Parliamentary elections.
• President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky announced that he discussed concrete defense

assistance and an anti-war coalition with US President Joe Biden.
• Facebook has said that it was penalized by Russia after refusing to halt fact-checkers.
Sports News
• Indian skipper Mithali Raj has confirmed that Harmanpreet Kaur will serve as the team’s Vice-
Captain in the upcoming Women’s 50-Over World Cup.
• Russia’s Daniil Medvedev will be crowned as Tennis’s new World No. 1 after Djokovic’s defeat
in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships.

Explained: Will Russia Ukraine war Impact on

India? Know What it Means
Russia Ukraine War Impact on India: Russia on February 24, 2022, declared war on Ukraine
with the announcement of a military operation in the neighboring country. With the world
struggling with a deadly pandemic, the latest move by Russia will only add more difficulties for the
recovering economies of various countries around the world, including India. Russia Ukraine war
in a day resulted in a major loss in the stock market which further prompted an emergency
meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the evening
of February 24. The Government, reportedly, is trying to come up with strategies that can
minimize the loss that the war can bring on the Indian Economy.
Putin Russia Ukraine War: Russia destroys Ukraine's Airbases, Why did Russia attack
Ukraine
How Russia-Ukraine war will Impact India?
India imports more than 80% of its oil requirement, however, the share of oil imports in its total
imports is around 25 percent. This is worrisome, as the Russia Ukraine war can lead to rising in
oil prices which will further pose risk to India’s rising inflation.
The rise in oil prices will also have an impact on the current account deficit. It is a difference
between the values of goods and the services imported and exported.
Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is Russia planning to invade Ukraine?
Rise in Inflation
The increase in the oil prices resulting from the Russia Ukraine war will have a direct impact on
the freight movement because of which food items such as fruits, vegetables, oil, and pulses,
among others are likely to be expensive.
If inflation rises in India, it will increase beyond the projected figures and India’s central bank will
then be forced to increase the rates.
Ukraine vs Russia Military Power Comparison: Know Fighting Strengths of both nations

Increase in Crude oil prices
If the experts are to be believed, the prices of Brent Crude Oil are likely to increase to $105 a
barrel. As India imports Crude Oil, it will become at expensive prices, the effect of which will be
seen in the form of a price rise.
Ukraine Crisis: What are the Economic Sanctions against Russia?
The impact is also likely to be on the metal sector of India which is exported in a good amount to
Russia. However, if the sanctions against Russia continued and metal imports are banned, it will
result in a major economic problem for India.
India’s gas imports from Russia: What the data says?
As per the data, India imports 0.20% of gas imports from Russia. Recently, the Gas Authority of
India Limited (GAIL) has also signed an agreement with Gazprom for LNG.
Russia-Ukraine crisis: PM Modi speaks to President Putin, appeals for immediate end of
violence in Ukraine
Under this, an agreement has been signed between the two countries to import 25 lakh tonnes
annually for the period of 20 years. However, in what provides some relief, the sanctions on
Russia imposed by the United States do not include a ban on the oil and gas exports.
Where is India on Russia-Ukraine dispute?
India has till now maintained a neutral stand on Russia Ukraine war and has also appealed to
both countries to exercise resistance.
However, PM Modi in a telephonic conversation with Putin on February 24 appealed to stop

violence in Ukraine and also asked to identify a diplomatic and peaceful path to find the solution
to Russia’s conflict with NATO.
Map of Russia and Ukraine Conflict: Explained

Russia Ukraine War: Why did Russia take

over Chernobyl?
Why did Russia take Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant?: Russian forces have taken control
over the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, as per adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office,
Mykhailo Podolyak.
Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986 when one of the reactors
exploded. The nuclear power plant is located about 60 miles from Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been captured by Russian forces, reports Reuters
quoting an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak

Why would Russia want Chernobyl?
Russia’s capture or Chernobyl in the early hours of their invasion of Ukraine on February
24th made alarm bells go off in the West.
Several questions arose from the capture including why would Russia capture Chernobyl as one
of its first targets in Ukraine? After all, Chernobyl is a radioactive wasteland that is largely
deserted after the deadly disaster in 1985.
The most obvious answer, as per experts, is that the site happens to lie along one of the most
direct paths to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.
According to retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of U.S. Army Europe,
“The location is important because of where it sits. If Russian forces were attacking Kyiv from the
north, Chernobyl is right there on the way, almost in the way."
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant lies less than 10 miles from Ukraine's border with
Belarus, which is a Russian ally.
From Chernobyl, the route to Kyiv is relatively straight, about 80 miles south. The route will allow
Russian to cross the Dnieper River in Belarus, avoiding a potentially hazardous crossing of the
major river, which bisects Ukraine, behind enemy lines.

According to some, Russia wants to surround the Ukrainian capital and this seems to be the best
way to do it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not seem to have any interest in the decommissioned
plant itself. Russia has though secured the facility and is reportedly holding the limited staff at the
facility as hostage.
Read More: PM Modi speaks to President Putin, appeals for immediate end of violence in
Ukraine
Read More: Black Sea: Bordering Countries, Map, Location, Why is it called Black Sea, Key
Facts
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
- The Chernobyl plant was built by the Soviet Union when it controlled Ukraine. Chernobyl
Nuclear Disaster
- The Chernobyl Nuclear accident occurred on April 26, 1986 at one of the nuclear reactors in
the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
- The nuclear power plant is located near the city of Pripyat in the north of Ukrainian SSR.
- The nuclear disaster was considered to be the worst in history. It occurred due to core melt
down that resulted in two or more explosions and destroyed the reactor building.
- This released a considerable airborne radioactive contamination for almost nine days, which
precipitated into parts of USSR and Western Europe.
- Around 49,000 people were evacuated from the area. Overall, 134 station staff were
hospitalised with acute radiation syndrome and 28 died afterwards and 14 suspected
radiation induced cancer deaths followed.
- Now, a large exclusion zone surrounds the damaged reactor at Chernobyl and the
abandoned city of Pripyat.
- Many view the 1986 disaster as a contributing factor to the fall of the former superpower
USSR.
Read More: Russia destroys Ukraine's Airbases, Why did Russia attack Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine crisis: PM Modi speaks to

President Putin, appeals for immediate end of
violence in Ukraine
Prime Minister Modi, amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, spoke to the President of Russia
Vladimir Putin in a telephonic conversation and appealed for an immediate cessation of
violence by Russia in Ukraine. The Prime Minister also asserted that the differences between
Russia and NATO can only be resolved through an ‘honest and sincere' dialogue.
PM Modi, during his conversation also sensitized the Russian President about India’s concern
regarding the safety of the citizens of India in Ukraine, particularly the students, and conveyed
that the country attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India.
The telephonic conversation between PM Modi and Putin has come after on February 24, 2022,
the Russian President announced a military operation in Ukraine with the purpose of invading the
neighboring country.
PM Narendra Modi speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin
Pres Putin briefed PM about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. PM reiterated his long-
standing conviction that the differences between Russia & NATO can only be resolved through
honest and sincere dialogue: PMO

What PM Modi said on a telephone call to Putin on Ukraine?
As Russia keeps bombarding Ukraine, PM Modi in a conversation with Putin reiterated his long-
standing conviction that the differences between NATO and Russia can only be resolved through
honest and sincere dialogue.
He appealed for an immediate end of violence in Ukraine and called for concerted efforts from all
sides to return to diplomatic dialogue and negotiation.
Russian President Putin also briefed PM Modi about the recent developments regarding Ukraine.
Both the leaders agreed that their diplomatic teams and officials will continue to maintain regular

contact on the issues.
Why PM Modi-Putin telephonic talk is significant?
The telephonic conversation between PM Modi-Putin came hours after Ukraine asked for India’s
support in defusing the crisis after the Russian attack on the country. Ukraine also expressed that
it was deeply dissatisfied with India’s position on the deteriorating situation in the country.
Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India had also said that PM Modi is among a very few
global leaders to whom Russian President Putin listens to and India can leverage its proximity
with Russia to control the situation.
Background
On February 24, 2022, Russia declared war on Ukraine by announcing a military operation in the
country. Soon after Putin’s announcement, explosions were heard in the Capital of Ukraine as
well as in the other parts of the country. Reportedly, Russia destroyed Ukraine’s air bases and air
defences. Various impositions by the Western countries also failed to deter the Russian’s
President decision of invading Ukraine.

National War Memorial's 3rd Anniversary

Know 10 Key Facts
National War Memorial's 3rd anniversary was observed on February 25, 2022. The Chiefs of the
Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force laid wreaths at the National War Memorial
to commemorate the occasion.
The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal BR Krishna also laid a wreath at the National
War Memorial today on this occasion.
The National War Memorial was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
February 25, 2019. The national war memorial was built in remembrance of the valour and
sacrifice of all soldiers, who laid down their lives for the country, since 1947.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar & the service chiefs - Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar & Air
Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari - lay wreaths at National War Memorial in Delhi. The
Memorial celebrates its 3rd anniversary today. It was dedicated to the Nation on Feb 25, 2019.
pic.twitter.com/WFXLZF6SED

National War Memorial: 10 Key Facts You Need To Know!
1. The National War Memorial is India’s first war memorial built to honour all the soldiers who
fought in armed conflicts of independent India. The memorial memorializes the soldiers who
martyred during the Indo-China War in 1962, the Indo-Pakistan wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971 and
the Kargil war in 1999.
2. It also commemorates the soldiers who martyred in UN peace-keeping missions, Humanitarian

Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and counter insurgency operations.
3. The national war memorial complex is in harmony with the existing layout and symmetry of the
majestic Rajpath and Central Vista. The memorial was built at a cost of Rs 171 crore.
4. It has a circle of immortality, a central obelisk with Eternal Flame that stands at a height of
15.5m. The flame symbolises the immortality of the spirit of martyred soldiers.

5. The Amar Jawan Jyoti flame was merged with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial
in a solemn ceremony on January 21, 2022.
6. The National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles where each chakra signifying
different values of the armed forces including the Amar Chakra (circle of immortality), which
comprises the obelisk and the eternal flame.
7. The other chakras include the Veerta Chakra (circle of bravery), which has six bronze murals
depicting different battle actions.
8. The third chakra is the Tyag Chakra (circle of sacrifice), which is made entirely of granite
bricks, each bearing the name of martyred soldier since independence.
9. The fourth is Rakshak Chakra (circle of protection), which surrounds the other three chakras
and consists of over 600 trees that will act and represent the soldiers who protect the country.
The fifth is the Suraksha Chakra, which is the outermost tier out of all.
10. The memorial also has a dedicated area for busts of soldiers who have been conferred with
'Param Vir Chakra,' the nation's highest gallantry award. These include three living awardees -
Retired Subedar Major Bana Singh, Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Sanjay
Kumar.
National War Memorial Timings
9:00 am to 6:30 pm (November to March)
9:00 am to 7:30 pm (April to October)
Background
The Amar Jawan Jyoti was built in the memory of all the Indian Army soldiers who martyred
during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
There was no war memorial then, hence the eternal flame was built under the India Gate. It was
decided initially that Amar Jawan Jyoti will continue in its place even as a new eternal flame was
lot at the National War
Memorial.
Later it was decided to merge the two flames to keep them at one place where all dignitaries can

pay their respect.

Current Affairs Today Headline -25 February

2022
National News
- PM Narendra Modi speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, appeals for
immediate cessation of violence
- Russian Prez Vladimir Putin outlined fundamental assessments of Kiev's aggressive actions
against civilian population of Donbass.
- Indian Navy welcomes foreign warships arriving for multinational exercise MILAN 2022.
- US Navy’s P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Patrol & Reconnaissance Aircraft arrive at Naval Air
Station INS Dega, Visakhapatnam to participate in the MILAN-2022.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver the inaugural address at the post-budget webinar
‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence-Call to Action' today.
- An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter Scale hits 66 km North Northwest of
Bukittinggi, Indonesia today.
- Demonstrators protest outside White House after Russia invades Ukraine.
- National War Memorial celebrates its 3rd anniversary today. It was dedicated to Nation on
Feb 25, 2019.
- EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Romanian counterpart, praises latter's support in evacuating
Indian nationals from Ukraine.
- Defence Ministry signs 1,075 crore deal with BEL for T-90's tank commander sights.
- MEA sends teams to land borders of Ukraine to assist evacuation of Indian nationals.
- Tripura HC bans animal slaughtering in public places, expresses concern over quality of
consumable meat.
International News
- US to send 7000 additional troops to Germany.

- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro disauthorizes Vice President Hamilton Mourao for saying
that Brazil opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine 'left alone' to fight Russia, 137 dead
after first day of fighting.
- US and it’s allies and partners to impose swift and severe costs on Russia for the needless
act of aggression: US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken
- World Bank ready to provide financial aid to Ukraine.

- US says SWIFT sanctions 'always an option', not one Europe wishes to take now.
- US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken speaks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified
attack on Ukraine.
- Russian police detains more than 1,700 people at anti-war protests across dozens of cities as
thousands took to the streets after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine.
- US imposes USD 55 mn fine on National Bank of Pakistan for anti-money laundering
violations.
- Sean Penn in Ukraine to film documentary on Russia's military operation.
- PM Modi to address post budget seminar on defence sector today.
- 'Star Trek', 'MASH' actor Sally Kellerman passes away at 84.
- Canada targets Russian elites, banks, announces 'severe' sanctions on Russia.
- World Bank ready to provide financial aid to Ukraine.
- About 4,000 Indian nationals already evacuated from Ukraine; Indian Embassy continues to
be functional.
- Russian forces take control of Chernobyl power plant.
- Jaishankar to speak to Foreign ministers of Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary over
Russia's military operations on Ukraine.
- Ukraine President Zelensky creating anti-Putin coalition.
- NATO's defence plans activated, but no troops deployment inside Ukraine.
Sports News
- Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, bowlers star as India beat Sri Lanka in 1st T20I match.
- IPL 2022 tournament to start on March 26, final on May 29.

Ukraine vs Russia Military Power

Comparison: Know Fighting Strengths of
both nations
Ukraine vs Russia Military Power Comparison: Russia invaded Ukraine early in the morning
on February 24, 2022 with huge explosions being reported in several Ukrainian cities including
capital Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded across the capital announcing the Russian Invasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin termed the invasion as a special military operation to
demilitarise and de-genocide Ukraine and protect the people of Ukraine who have suffering for
years and called on Ukraine military to lay down its arms. Ukraine, on the other hand, said that a
full-scale invasion by Russia is underway with explosions reported across the country.
The Kyiv International airport is shut after explosions were reported there, making evacuation
efforts by several countries including India more difficult. An Air India flight, AI1947, which was
headed to Kyiv to carry out evacuation, turned back after bombing of the Kyiv airport.
Read Also-
UNSC votes for emergency UNGA session on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, India abstains
from voting
Ukraine moves International Court of Justice against Russia
What did Russian President Say?
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement earlier today that their plans do not including
occupying the Ukrainian territory. They aim is to de militarise and de-nazify Ukraine. He warned
that anyone who tried to interfer with us to create threats for our country and our people, must
know that Russia's response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences as you
have before experienced in your history.
Anyone who tries to interfere with us, or even more so, to create threats for our country & our

people, must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such
consequences as you have never before experienced in your history: Russian President Vladimir
Putin pic.twitter.com/xSCWPTByWv
Read Also: Impact on Russia-Ukraine war on sports: Check below 15 major sporting
fallouts
Ukraine and Russia Military Comparison: Does Ukraine stand a chance?
In the event of worsening situation amid Russian aggression, the situation seems to be extremely
tense in Ukraine. According to Adviser to Ukraine President Office, more than 40 Ukrainian
soldiers dead and several dozen wounded. Ukraine has also said that around 50 Russian
occupiers have been killed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced breaking of all diplomatic ties with Russia.
He had also assured the citizens of Ukraine to not panic and that Ukraine will defend itself.
He also appealed to all able bodied men to be ready to defend their country. He said in a
statement, "We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to
support Ukraine in the squares of our cities."
"We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in
the squares of our cities," says President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy#RussiaUkraineCrisis
pic.twitter.com/KKeINY8eGn

Can Ukraine defend itself against Russia?
Ukraine vs Russia military power comparison
It is very apparent that Russia has more military firepower than Ukraine, covering the land, air and
sea. Russia has about 900,000 active military personnel, while Ukraine has about 196,600.
Russia also has about 10 times more number of navy personnel than Ukraine. Russia also has
about 74 warships and 51 submarines in comparison to Ukraine's two warships.
The Russian army itself is made up of 280,000 soldiers in comparison to Ukraine's 125,600.
Ukraine also has about 900,000 reserve personnel.

Read Also: Russia Ukraine War: Why did Russia attack Ukraine
Military Expenditures
Ukraine Russia
Military budget: 5.4 billion $ 61.7 billion $
Percent of GDP: 3% 4.3%
1. Land Forces
Ukraine Russia
Army
125,600 280,000
Tanks
2105 12,270
Artillery Guns
3000+ 14000
Armoured Vehicles
12303 30,122
2. Air Forces
Ukraine Russia
Army

125,600 280,000
Tanks
2105 12,270
Artillery Guns
3000+ 14000
Armoured Vehicles
12303 30,122
3. Naval Forces
Ukraine Russia
Naval Personnel
15000 150000
Warships
2 74
Submarines
0 51
Nuclear Power
Ukraine Russia
Ukraine has never produced its
own nuclear weapon. However,
the nation did possess about
5,000 nuclear weapons. It
received the nuclear warheads
after the dissolution of Soviet Russia has a total of 6490
Union in 1991 and became the nuclear warheads and it has
third largest holder of nuclear deployed around 1600
weapons in the world. warheards, almost same as the
United States.
However, Ukraine decided to
get rid of these weapons quite
quickly and three years later, in
1994, the nation joined Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty.

All nuclear warheads were

moved and disassembled in
Russia in 1996.
Read Also: What is NATO and and what is its purpose? How many Countries are in NATO?
Black Sea: Bordering Countries, Map, Location, Why is it called Black Sea, Key Facts

India sets up 24x7 control room to assist

Indian nationals in Ukraine, to activate
alternate evacuation routes
Union MoS MEA V Muraleedharan assured that the External Affairs Ministry is taking steps to
bring back about 18,000 Indians including students from Ukraine. As the air space in Ukraine is
closed, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals.
The Minister also informed that he spoke with Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. "Indian
students in the southern areas of Ukraine have told us that they're getting food, water & power.
Students & parents should not panic. Our government has brought back Indians even from places
like Iraq," he said.
I spoke to Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. Indian students in the southern areas of
Ukraine have told us that they're getting food, water & power. Students & parents should not
panic. Our govt has brought back Indians even from places like Iraq: MoS MEA V. Muraleedharan
Read Also: Russia Ukraine War: Why did Russia attack Ukraine
Indian Embassy's Statement
Indian Ambassador to Ukraine, Partha Satpathy issued a statement saying that the Indian
Embassy continues to remain open and operate in Kyiv. He assured that they are working on
mission mode to find a solution to this difficult situation.
View the full statement below:
The Embassy continues to remain open and operate in Kyiv; We are working on mission mode to
find a solution to this difficult situation, says Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Partha Satpathy
pic.twitter.com/e5SkAI1TS1

MEA sets up 24x7 Control Room to assist Indian Nationals in Ukraine
The Union Ministry of External Affairs has set up a control room in Delhi, which is being expanded

and made operational on a 24x7 basis to assist the students and other Indian nationals in Ukraine
amid Russia-Ukraine
conflict.
#WATCH | MEA control room in Delhi being expanded and made operational on a 24x7 basis to
assist the students and other Indian nationals in Ukraine, amid #RussiaUkraineConflict
pic.twitter.com/mEzVsSxtQ3
A few families of students studying in Ukraine, have reached out to the Embassy of Ukraine in
New Delhi. One of the family members said, "My brother is an MBBS student in Ukraine, we last
spoke to him 2 days ago. I came here to find out what help is being extended to them and what is
being done."
Another said, "My brother studies at Kharkiv university, some of his friends study there too. I'm
very concerned about this situation. I last spoke to him 10 minutes ago, he says the situation
there is very stressed out. I have come here to talk to them (officials) as to what can be done."
My brother studies at Kharkiv university, some of his friends study there too. I'm very concerned
about this situation. I last spoke to him 10 minutes ago, he says the situation there is very
stressed out. I have come here to talk to them (officials) as to what can be done: Pooja
pic.twitter.com/ZwXGh6CBxO
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the state assembly that there are students from
Kerala in Ukraine and added "We've already brought it to the notice of the Centre, it's taking
action on it. We will ask the Centre to intensify its actions." The Kerala CM has written to EAM S
Jaishankar to intervene and ensure the safety of 2320 students from the state in Ukraine and
make necessary arrangements for their return by arranging special flights.
#UkraineRussiaCrisis Kerala CM writes to EAM S Jaishankar to intervene and ensure the safety
of 2320 students from the state in Ukraine; requests EAM to make necessary arrangements for
their return by arranging special flights pic.twitter.com/GSswwQlBim

Indian Embassy in Kyiv Statement
The Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine issued a statement saying, "All those who are travelling to
Kyiv, including those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective

cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western bordering countries."
All those who are travelling to Kyiv, incl those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to
return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along the western
bordering countries: Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine #RussiaUkraineConflict
pic.twitter.com/QAxAdK0FQ4

India to activate Alternate Evacuation Routes
An Air India flight -AI1947, which was scheduled to land in Kyiv, Ukraine to evacuate students and
Indian Nationals was forced to turn back after bombing of Kyiv International Airport. As per
sources, India is exploring alternate evacuation routes to get its citizens out of the country.
India has shifted its embassy from Kyiv to Laviv temporarily due to the current volatile situation in
the Ukrainian capital.
Background
Ukrainian Ambassador to India, Dr Igor Polikha said that it is a case of blatant aggression which
started at 5 o'clock in the morning. He said that as per the latest information a lot of Ukrainian
aerodromes, military airports, military installations were attacked by bombs & missile attacks.
As per media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he wants to de-militarise
and de-nazify Ukraine. Some Russian attacks have happened deep inside Ukrainian territory and
some on the outskirts of the capital city, Kyiv.
Read Also: What is NATO and and what is its purpose? How many Countries are in NATO?

What is NATO and What is it's purpose? How

many Countries are in NATO?
What is NATO?: NATO is a military alliance that was formed in 1949 by 12 countries, including
the US, Canada, the UK and France. NATO's full form is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
NATO was formed largely to counter the threat from the Soviet Union post World War II. The
USSR had created its own military alliance in 1955 to counter NATO, called the Warsaw pact.
Warsaw got disbanded with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 and several of Warsaw pact
countries became NATO members.
Read Also: Why did Russia take Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant | Map of Russia and
Ukraine Conflict
NATO alliance has a total of 30 member countries. Under the alliance, the member countries
have agreed to come to one another's aid in the event of armed attack against any one member
state.
Read Also:
Russia Ukraine War: Why did Russia attack Ukraine
Ukraine moves International Court of Justice against Russia
What is the Purpose of NATO
NATO's purpose is to implement the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on April 4, 1949. NATO
constitutes a system of collective security. Under the system, an attack on one member state is
considered as an attack on all and it calls for a collective response. This ensures collective
security of all NATO member states. NATO's headquarters are located in located in Brussels,
Belgium.
Read Also: Ukraine vs Russia Military Power Comparison: Know Fighting Strengths of
both nations

NATO Member Countries
NATO member countries include 2 North American countries, 27 European countries and 1
Eurasian country.
List of NATO Member Countries

NATO Country Capital Joined Population Area
Albania Tirana 1-April-2009 30,88,385 28,748 km sq (11,100 sq m
Belgium Brussels 24-Aug-1949 1,17,78,842 30,528 km sq (11,787 sq m
Bulgaria Sofia 29-Mar-2004 69,19,180 110,879 km sq (42,811 sq m
9,984,670 km
Canada Ottawa 24-Aug-1949 3,79,43,231
sq (3,855,103 sq mi)
Croatia Zagreb 1-April-2009 42,08,973 56,594 km sq (21,851 sq m
Czechia Prague 12-Mar-1999 1,07,02,596 78,867 km sq (30,451 sq m
Denmark Copenhagen 24-Aug-1949 58,94,687 42,943 km sq (16,580 sq m
Estonia Tallinn 29-Mar-2004 12,20,042 45,228 km sq (17,463 sq m
France Paris 24-Aug-1949 6,80,84,217 643,427 km sq (248,429 sq
Germany Berlin 8-May-1955 7,99,03,481 357,022 km sq (137,847 sq
Greece Athens 18-Feb-1952 1,05,69,703 131,957 km sq (50,949 sq m
Hungary Budapest 12-Mar-1999 97,28,337 93,028 km sq (35,918 sq m
Iceland Reykjavík 24-Aug-1949 3,54,234 103,000 km sq (39,769 sq m
Italy Rome 24-Aug-1949 6,23,90,364 301,340 km sq (116,348 sq
Latvia Riga 29-Mar-2004 18,62,687 64,589 km sq (24,938 sq m
Lithuania Vilnius 29-Mar-2004 27,11,566 65,300 km sq (25,212 sq m
Luxembourg Luxembourg 24-Aug-1949 6,39,589 2,586 km sq (998 sq mi)
Montenegro Podgorica 5-Jun-2017 6,07,414 13,812 km sq (5,333 sq mi)
Netherlands Amsterdam 24-Aug-1949 1,73,37,403 41,543 km sq (16,040 sq m
North Macedonia Skopje 27-Mar-2020 2,128,262[d] 25,713 km sq (9,928 sq mi)
Norway Oslo 24-Aug-1949 55,09,591 323,802 km sq (125,021 sq
Poland Warsaw 12-Mar-1999 3,81,85,913 312,685 km sq (120,728 sq
Portugal Lisbon 24-Aug-1949 1,02,63,850 92,090 km sq (35,556 sq m
Romania Bucharest 29-Mar-2004 2,12,30,362 238,391 km sq (92,043 sq m
Slovakia Bratislava 29-Mar-2004 54,36,066 49,035 km sq (18,933 sq m
Slovenia Ljubljana 29-Mar-2004 21,02,106 20,273 km sq (7,827 sq mi)

Spain Madrid 30-May-1982 4,72,60,584 505,370 km sq (195,124 sq

Turkey Ankara 18-Feb-1952 8,24,82,383 783,562 km sq (302,535 sq
United Kingdom London 24-Aug-1949 6,70,81,000 243,610 km sq (94,058 sq m
Washington, 9,833,520 km sq (3,796,743
United States 24-Aug-1949 33,49,98,398
D.C. sq mi)
Last Country to join NATO is - North Macedonia
Is Ukraine a NATO member country?
No, Ukraine is not a NATO member country. Ukraine is though a NATO partner country, which
means that it may join the NATO in the future.
Impact on Russia-Ukraine war on sports: Check below 15 major sporting fallouts
What is Russia's issue with NATO and Ukraine?
Russia is against the former Soviet Union Republic Ukraine joining the NATO alliance.
Russia wants NATO to bar Ukraine from joining NATO, which the US and its allies have refused
to do.
Russia also wants NATO to cease its military activities in Eastern Europe, claiming that the
Western powers are using the alliance to encroach on Russia. NATO rejected this saying that
only a small number of its member states actually share border with Russia.
Also Read: Black Sea Bordering Countries, Map, Location, Key Facts
What is NATO doing about the current Russia-Ukraine crisis?
US President Joe Biden said that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reached out to him
after the Russian attacks on Ukraine. He said that he condemns the unprovoked and unjustified
attack by Russian military forces on Ukraine.
The US President will be meeting with the leaders of the G7 nations and United States and our
Allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia. He further assured that the US
will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

The United States has already sent nearly 3,000 additional troops to Poland and Romania
to reinforce Nato's eastern borders and another 8,500 combat-ready troops have been put on
alert. Though there are no NATO troops deployed within Ukaine.
The US has also sent weapons to Ukraine including Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-
aircraft missiles. The United Kingdom has also sent 2,000 short-range anti-tank missiles to
Ukraine. The UK has also deployed 350 more troops in Poland and doubled its strength in
Estonia with additional 900 troops.
Other NATO allies including France, Denmark, Spain and Netherlands have also sent fighter
jets and warships to eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.
French President Emmanuel Macron had recently visited Ukraine and Russia and met with the
respective leaders in a last ditch effort to evade war. He had also negatiation a telephone call
between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Background
NATO had not intervened last time when Ukrainians deposed their pro-Russian president in early
2014 and Russia invaded and annexed Ukraine's southern Crimean peninsula. While NATO did
condemn annexation of Crimea and remove Russia from its G8 grouping, it did not take any harsh
action.
Read more: India sets up 24x7 control room to assist Indian nationals in Ukraine, to
activate alternate evacuation routes

Putin Russia Ukraine War: Russia destroys

Ukraine's Airbases, Why did Russia attack
Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine war news: The President of Russia Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022,
announced a military operation in Ukraine with explosions heard soon after in the Capital of
Ukraine as well as in other parts of the country. The move has prompted an outrage from US
President Joe Biden who warned of a ‘catastrophic loss of life’.
Reportedly, within 30 minutes of Putin’s announcement, explosions were heard in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Explosions were also heard in the Eastern part of Mariupol. As per Russia, the country in its
continued war against Ukraine has destroyed Ukraine's air bases and air defences.
#UkraineRussiaCrisis "Russia says destroyed Ukraine airbases, air defences," AFP quotes news
agencies
The imposition of western sanctions and the weeks of intense diplomacy have failed to deter the
Russian President, who massed between 1,50,000 and 2,00,000 troops along the border of
Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine War: Russia invades Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin, for months, has denied its plan to attack Ukraine, however, on
February 24, he announced a ‘military operation’ in the country.
Also Read: Map of Russia and Ukraine Conflict
Earlier in 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine, rebels backed by President Putin seized a broad
area of Eastern Ukraine and they have been fighting Ukraine’s army ever since. There was also
an international Minsk Peace accord, however, the conflict continued and so Russia sent in troops
into two rebel-held areas.
As per the West, Putin has been planning a new invasion of Ukraine, a nation of 44 million people
bordering both the European Union and Russia.

Read More: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is Russia planning to invade Ukraine?
But Why Russia is Attacking on Ukraine?
Russia has for long resisted Ukraine’s move towards the European institutions, both the
European Union and NATO. Now, the Russian President has claimed that Ukraine is a
puppet of the Western countries and was never a proper state anyway.
Putin demanded guarantees from the West and Ukraine that it will not join NATO which is a
defensive alliance of 30 nations, and that Ukraine demilitarize and become a neutral state.
Ukraine, being the former Soviet Republic has deep cultural and social ties with Russia, and
Russian is widely spoken in the region, however, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, the
relations have been frayed.
Russia had attacked Ukraine when its pro-Russian President was deposed in early 2014 and the
war in the east has since claimed more than 14000 lives.
Read More: Ukraine Crisis: US President announces new sanctions against Russia for
‘beginning invasion of Ukraine’
What Russia said on its war against Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin, in a surprise television announcement, said that he has made a decision of a
military operation. Putin also called on Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and claimed that
he wanted a demilitarization of the former Soviet State but not its occupation.
Russian President’s announcement statement came after the Kremlin said that the rebel leaders
in Eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv.
According to Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, earlier on February 23 the separatist leaders
of Donetsk and Lugansk sent separate letters to Putin and asked him to help them repel Ukraine’s
aggression. The two letters were also published by the Russian media.
The appeals came after the Russian President recognized their independence and also signed
friendship treaties with them that included the defence deals.
Ukraine’s President made an appeal to Russians

In response to the Russian invasion, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made an
emotional appeal to Russians to not support a ‘major war in Europe’.
While speaking Russian, he said that the people of Russia are being lied to about Ukraine and
that the possibility of war also depends on you.
As per the Ukrainian President, he tried to call Putin but there was ‘no answer, only silence’. He
further added that Moscow now had around 2,00,000 soldiers near Ukraine’s borders.
Read More: Russian President recognizes two Ukraine separatist regions as independent
Russia faces criticism for its war on Ukraine
Russian President Putin has been openly resistant against a barrage of international criticism
over the Ukraine Crisis, with some of the western leaders also saying that he was no longer
rational.
Putin’s announcement of the military operation has come ahead of a last-ditch summit that
involved European Union leaders in Brussels planned for February 24.
European Union has also imposed sanctions on the Defence Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu
and the high-ranking figures including the commanders of the Russian Army, Navy and the air
force, another part of the wave of western punishment after Russia sought to rewrite Ukraine’s
borders.
What will be the impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine?
The UN Security Council met on late February 23 for its second emergency session in three days
over the crisis, with a personal plea thereby Secretary-General of UN Antonio Guterres to Putin.
He asked the Russian President to stop his troops from attacking Ukraine and give peace a
chance.
The US Ambassador to the UN has warned that an all-out Russian invasion could replace five-
million people which will further trigger a new European refugee crisis.
Apart from the economic effect, the Russian war on Ukraine will have a deep impact on Europe
which will further alter the peace of the region.
Russia Ukraine Military Strength

Arms Russia Ukraine

Troops 2900000 1100000
Attack Aircraft 1511 98
Attack Helicopter 544 34
Tanks 12240 2596
Armoured Vehicles 30122 12303
Towed Artillery 7571 2040
Source: Global Firepower, IISS Military Balance


2022
National News
- Delimitation Commission to meet on February 24th to discuss suggestions of J&K MPs, who
are associate members of the panel.
- India reports 14,148 fresh COVID-19 cases, 30,009 recoveries and 302 deaths in the last 24
hours.
- An earthquake of magnitude 3.5 occurred at around 4.53 am about 125km South-South-West
of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as per National Center for Seismology.
- EAM Jaishankar chairs meeting of Indian Ambassadors to EU countries.
- ED confiscated Rs 18,000 crore from Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, the Centre tells
SC.
- Delhi National Zoological Park to re-open from March 1st with online ticket system.
- Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya releases the Harvard Study reports on India's
COVID-19 vaccination programme.
- Indian Army has acquired "Mini Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems" as a part of ongoing
modernisation and induction of niche and emerging technologies.
International News
- Russia's Putin announces a 'military operation' in Ukraine.

- Explosions heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol and Ukraine's
Black Sea port Odessa.
- Ukraine urges UN 'to do everything possible to stop the war' at the second emergency
Security Council session.
- Hong Kong invokes emergency powers to allow Chinese health workers to practice in the city
as it struggles to tackle a Covid outbreak.
- US truckers launch 'People's Convoy' in pandemic protest.
- Canadian PM Justin Trudeau revokes emergency powers after Canada trucker-led protests
end.
- UN Security Council to hold emergency session on Ukraine on February 24th.
- US President Joe Biden announces sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
- Ukraine parliament imposes national state of emergency.
- Archaeologists discover a 9,000-year-old ritualistic complex deep in the Jordanian desert, it is

thought to be the earliest known large human-built structure worldwide.

- A crack widens in the San Rafael glacier in Chile's extreme south, and a ten-storey iceberg
crashes into the water.
- German Olympic tennis champion Alexander Zverev has been expelled from the Mexican
Open after he smashed his racket on the umpire's chair several times.
- Lebanon thwarts three suicide bombings planned by IS-linked militants targeting Shiite
religious compounds in Beirut's southern suburbs.
- Russia and Ukraine urge their respective citizens to leave the other nation immediately.
- French President Emmanuel Macron will launch his re-election bid on March 5th with an
inauguration campaign rally in Marseille.

Army Chief presents President’s Colours to

four battalions of Parachute Regiment
The Chief of Army Staff, General MM Naravane, presented the prestigious ‘President’s Colours’
to four battalions of the Parachute Regiment on February 23, 2022.
The President's Colours were presented to 11 Parachute (Special Forces), 21 Parachute (Special
Forces), 23 Parachute and 29 Parachute. The presentation took place during the Colour
Presentation Parade held at the Parachute Regiment Training Centre, Bangalore.
The Army Chief appreciated the rich legacy of valour, sacrifice and traditions of the Parachute
Regiment after reviewing the parade. He also complimented the newly raised units for the
remarkable performance within a short period of time and gave his best wishes to all ranks to
serve the nation with pride.
General M M Naravane #COAS presented the "President’s Colours" #Nishan to 11 PARA (SF),
21 PARA (SF), 23 PARA and 29 PARA, during an impeccable Colour Presentation Parade held at
the Parachute Regiment Training Centre,
Bangalore.#IndianArmy#InStrideWithTheFuture#AmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/wjj2TxjTiV
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 23, 2022

Parachute Regiment: All you need to know
- The Parachute Regiment is an elite regiment of Indian Army. It is an airborne and special
forces regiment of the Indian Army.
- The Parachute Regiment was raised in 1945 as part of the British Indian Army.
- It was disbanded after the Second World War and was raised again in 1952 as a part of the
Indian Army.
- The Parachute Regiment currently comprises of nine special Forces, five airborne, two
Territorial Army and one Rashtriya Rifles battalions.
- Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was commissioned into the 106th Infantry
Battalion Territorial Army under the Parachute Regiment with the rank of Hon. Lt. Col. by
President of India on November 1, 2011.
- The Parachute Regiment has been awarded a number of laurels in numerous missions
across Korea, Srilanka, Maldives, Rann of Kutch, Gaza, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan,
Punjab, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland.

- The regiment's personnel have been awarded with 116 Shaurya Chakra, 63 Vir Chakra, 22
Kirti Chakra, 14 Maha Vir Chakra, 8 Ashoka Chakra and 601 Sena Medals for gallantry and
exceptional bravery.

Cobra Warrior 2022: IAF to participate in

multi-nation Air Exercise
Cobra Warrior 2022: The Indian Air Force will participate in the multi-nation Air Exercise named
'Ex Cobra Warrior 22' at Royal Air Force Base in Waddington, United Kingdom.
The Cobra Warrior exercise will be held from 6-27 March, 2022. Five indigenous LCA Tejas
fighter aircraft will participate in the exercise and a C-17 aircraft will provide transport support.
The IAF jets will participate in the exercise along with the fighter aircraft of UK and other leading
Air Forces.
IAF will participate in multi-nation air exercise #CobraWarrior at Royal Air Force base,
Waddington, UK from 6-27 March. Five indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft will participate in the
exercise while a C-17 aircraft will provide transport support: Indian Air Force
(File pic) pic.twitter.com/4w2WyFqExh

Cobra Warrior Exercise 2022 Objective
The Cobra Warrior exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and share best practices
amongst the participating Air Forces.
It will help enhance combat capability and forge bonds of friendship between the participating Air
Forces.
The exercise will serve as a platform for LCA Tejas to demonstrate its manoeuvrability and
operational capability.
Cobra Warrior Exercise
- The Cobra Warrior Exercise is one of the largest annual Royal Air Force exercises and aims
to train both pilots and other air specialists in planning and executing complex airborne
missions.
- The Indian Tejas jets will be stationed at the RAF Waddington airbase.
- The exercise will involve air-to-air operations such as aircraft interceptions and mock

dogfights and simulated ground attacks.

- This will be the first-ever outing of LCA-Tejas in the International air exercise.
Background
The Indian Air Force Tejas Squadron just recently completed its first-ever outing in the Singapore
air show.
Three LCA-Tejas jets had flown over 3000km ferry flight with 3 external drop tanks non-stop to
Singapore for the air show.
This demonstrates the long-range ferry capabilities of the tiny jet.

Assembly Elections 2022: UP Elections 2022

phase 4 polls underway in 59 constituencies,
Check Key Constituencies
UP Elections 2022: The fourth phase of UP Elections 2022 is currently underway in 59 assembly
constituencies across nine districts including Sitapur, Hardoi, Unnao, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow,
Rae Bareli, Fatehpur, Banda and Philibhit. In total, 624 candidates are in the fray.
Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow.
#UttarPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/sWZSi2yTnz
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 23, 2022

Voter Turnout
A voter turnout of 37.45 percent was recorded till 1 pm across 59 assembly seats.Uttar Pradesh is
witnessing a multi-party contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party
(SP)-Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) alliance, Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
#UttarPradeshElections | 37.45% voters turnout recorded till 1 pm. pic.twitter.com/gqHl0Sv2GM

Key Constituencies
Lakhimpur Kheri: The constituency is where eight people including four farmers were killed in
violence on October 3 and Union MoS Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra is the main accused in
the case. BJP's sitting MLA Yogesh Verma is contesting from the seat against SP's Utkarsh
Madhur.
Lucknow Cantonment: The constituency will witness a multi-party contest between SP's two-
time MLA Surendra Singh Gandhi, BJP's Brijesh Pathak, Congress' Dilpreet Singh and BSP's Anil
Pandey.
Rae Bareli: The Congress bastion will see face off between BJP's Aditi Singh and Congress'
Manish Chauhan.
Hardoi: Former Deputy Speaker of UP Assembly Nitin Agarwal will face off against SP Candidate

Anil Verma.
Sarojini Nagar: BJP's Rjeshwar Singh has been pitted against SP's Abhishek Mishra from the
seat.
Background
The UP Elections 2022 are taking place in seven phases, the remaining three phases will be held
on February 27, March 3rd and March 7th.

Sanjeev Sanyal appointed as a full-time

member of Economic Advisory Council to PM
Sanjeev Sanyal, a noted economist, and historian has been inducted as a full-time member of the
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. The news was announced by the panel’s
Chairman Bibek Debroy on February 22, 2022. Sanjeev Sanyal will serve at the position for a
tenure of two years. Bibek Debroy via a tweet welcomed Sanjeev Sanyal as a full-time member of
EAC-PM which is an independent body constituted by the Government of India. It advises the
Prime Minister of the country on economic and various other related issues.
We welcome @sanjeevsanyal as a full-time Member of EAC-PM. @EACtoPM
— Bibek Debroy (@bibekdebroy) February 22, 2022

Who is Sanjeev Sanyal?
1. Sanjeev Sanyal has been serving as the Finance Ministry’s Principal Economic Adviser since
February 2017.
2. Sanyal has been working with the financial markets since the 1990s and his addition to the
Economic Advisory Council to the PM is expected to aid the top advisory body.
3. Sanjeev Sanyal is also widely known for his role as the global strategist and the Managing
Director at Deutsche Bank.
4. Sanyal, in 2007, was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship for his work on urban issues. He was
also honoured by the Singapore Government at the World Cities Summit 2014.
5. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, London, an Adjunct Fellow at the
Institute of Policy Studies, Singapore, Visiting Scholar at Oxford University, and a Senior Fellow of
the World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly known as World Wildlife Fund).
Educational Qualification
Sanjeev Sanyal had attended Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, and St. John’s College,
Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
He has authored various books including ‘The Indian Renaissance: India’s Rise after a Thousand

Year’s of Decline’, ‘Land of the Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India’s Geography’, and ‘The
Incredible History of India’s Geography’.
What is Economic Advisory Council to PM?
The Economic Advisory Council to PM is a non-permanent, non-constitutional, and independent

body that has been constituted to give economic advice to the Government of India, particularly
the Prime Minister.
The EAC serves to highlight the key economic issues that the country faces to the Government of
India from a neutral viewpoint. The council advises the Prime Minister on economic issues such
as microfinance, inflation, and industrial output.
The Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister has been constituted several times since
India's Independence. On September 25, 2017, Prime Minister Modi had revived the council and
currently, the Chairman post is held by Bibek Debroy.

Veteran Malayalam actor KPAC Lalitha

passes away: Mamooty, Revathi, Prithviraj,
CM Pinarayi Vijayan pay tribute
KPAC Lalitha passed away on February 22, 2022 in Kochi after battling a liver-related ailment for
a long time. The veteran actor breathed her last just three days before her 74th birthday.
The veteran artist acted in more than 500 movies in a career spanning five decades.She
performed a variety of roles, from playing the female protagonist to comedy roles to supporting
cast. She also worked in many movies in Tamil as a character artist.
Mammootty, Revathy, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kerala Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with many other personalities paid rich tributes to the late actor.
Mammootty took to his Twitter and shared a picture of the late star and penned a note in
Malayalam that translates as: "I have lost someone dear to me. With a lot of everlasting
memories, I condole her death."
, . pic.twitter.com/QqlyDmOEm5
— Mammootty (@mammukka) February 22, 2022

Rest in peace Lalitha aunty! It was a privilege to have shared the silver screen with you! One of
the finest actors I’ve known. #KPACLalitha pic.twitter.com/zAGeRr7rM0
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) February 22, 2022

#KPACLalitha was not just an icon of Malayalam cinema. She was also one of the faces of the
progressive art movement that has fought the conservative forces in our society. Till her last
breath, she stood firm by those values. Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
pic.twitter.com/SCOJq8PluB
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) February 23, 2022
Keerthy Suresh also extended her condolences to the family of KPAC Lalitha with a Twitter post,
in she wrote, "Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary KPAC Lalitha
aunty. My heartfelt condolences to the family."
Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary KPAC Lalitha aunty.

My heartfelt condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/nGqxO5tpGb
— Keerthy Suresh (@KeerthyOfficial) February 22, 2022
Revathy Asha Kelunni also took to her Instagram and wrote, "Lalitha Chechi - Thank you Chechi
for the abundance of performances... you will live on for generations through them all. May your
soul rest in peace."
KPAC Lalitha: Know her journey in acting
- KPAC Lalitha was born as Maheswari Amma in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha.

- The veteran actor had starred in over 550 films in Malayalam and Tamil.
- She also held the position of the Chairperson of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy for five
years.
- The actor had joined K.P.A.C (Kerala People's Arts Club), a prominent drama troop in
Kerala.She then took up the screen-name Lalitha and later when she started acting in movies
and KPAC tag was later added to her name.
- KPAC Lalitha has won two National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress along with four
Kerala State Film Awards.
- She was also honoured with the national award for her role in 'Amaram' in 1999 and for
'Shantham' in 2000.
- She was married to the late Malayalam filmmaker Bharathan. She is survived by a son and
daughter.
- Her son Siddharth is a filmmaker and actor in Malayalam cinema and daughter is Sreekutty
Bharathan.

Ukraine Crisis: What are the Economic

Sanctions against Russia?
The President of the United States Joe Biden on February 22, 2022, announced new sanctions
against Russia and also called Russia’s move in eastern Ukraine the ‘beginning of a
Russian invasion’. Along with the US, UK and their other allies have also imposed sanctions on
Russia because of its actions against Ukraine.
The move by the United States and its allies came after the President of Russia Vladimir Putin
recognized the independence of breakaway regions Luhansk and Donetsk and ordered the
Russian troops there.
While speaking on the Russian-Ukraine crisis from the White House, US President also called
Putin’s moves the ‘beginning of Russian invasion’ of Ukraine. Russia had started massing troops
near Ukraine’s border in 2021 and had called them training exercises.
What Economic Sanctions are against Russia?
1. US President Joe Biden announced that the US will be implementing full blocking sanctions on
the two large Russian financial institutions: VEB and their military bank. It will directly impact
Russia's defence sector.
2. Comprehensive sanctions are implemented on Russia’s sovereign debt which means that the
US has cut off Russia’s government from the Western funding.
3. Russia can also no longer raise money from the West and also cannot trade in its new debt on
US markets or European markets either.
4. Americans are also banned from doing any business in Donetsk and Luhansk.
5. Five people who have been described as part of Vladimir Putin's inner circle have also been
sanctioned.
6. The European Union has sanctioned 27 Russian individuals and organizations, including
Banks. EU is also limiting access to the European Capital markets by cutting off the ability to
access funds from EU markets. It is also banning trade between the EU and two rebel-held

regions.
7. Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz has decided to put on hold the permission for the Nord
Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany to open.
8. Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson has announced sanctions against 5 Russian banks and
3 wealthy Russian businessmen and has also threatened with further moves.
Russian President recognizes two Ukraine separatist regions as independent
What other Sanctions can be imposed on Russia?
1. Sanctions to be imposed against Russia’s elites and their family members
2. Exclusion of Russia from Swift- Russia can be excluded from the global financing messaging
service Swift. It is used by thousands of financial institutions worldwide. The move will make it
difficult for Russian banks to do business overseas.
3. Banning of Russia from using US Dollars- United States can ban Russia from financial
transactions involving US dollars. This can result in a huge impact on Russia's economy as most
of its oil and gas sales are settled in dollars.
4. Russian banks can be blocked- The banks of Russia can be blocked which will further make
it impossible for them to conduct international transactions.
5. Blocking the export of hi-tech materials to Russia- Western countries can restrict the export
of hi-tech materials to Russia. They are used in everything from cars to smartphones.
6. As Russia's economy is highly dependent on selling gas and oil overseas, western nations can
refuse to buy oil and gas from the big Russian energy giants.
Read More: Russia Ukraine Crisis: Russia declares war on Ukraine, destroys Ukraine's
airbases and air defences
US condemns Russia’s decision of recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as Independent
The United States strongly condemned Russia’s decision of recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk in
Ukraine as independent regions and asked who gave Russia the right to declare new so-called
countries on the territory that belongs to its neighbours.

After Vladimir Putin’s announcement on Donetsk and Luhansk, US President also signed an
executive order that will prohibit all the new investment, financing, and trade by the US persons
to, from, or in the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.
Notably, President Putin also ordered the sending of the Russian Armed Forces to Ukraine’s
breakaway region after recognizing their independence on February 21, 2022.
Read More: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is Russia planning to invade Ukraine?
Ukraine invasion by Russia: Background
1. Russia, in March 2014, had invaded and then annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.
Later in April, the pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region declared independence and the
war continued in the Eastern Ukrainian region and then later spread westwards.
2. In April 2019, a former Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky was elected by a large majority as the
President of Ukraine on a promise to restore Donbas to Ukraine.
3. Ukraine's crisis further deepened in January 2021 when the Ukrainian President appealed to
the President of the US to let Ukraine enter NATO.
4. Later in the spring of 2021, Russia started massing troops near the borders of Ukraine in what
it said were training exercises.
5. Russia has stated that its recent troop deployment near Ukrainian borders is in response to
NATO’s steady eastward expansion and has argued that its moves are aimed at protecting its
own security considerations.


2022
National news
- Polling underway for the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh Elections 2022
- Air India special flight carrying around 242 passengers from Ukraine landed in Delhi.
- Veteran Malayalam actor KPAC Lalitha passes away.
- Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and G Kishan Reddy jointly inaugurated the ‘Vigyan Sarvatra
Pujyate’ celebrations on February 22, 2022.
- Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh released Rural
Connectivity GIS Data in Public Domain.
- Sanjeev Sanyal appointed full-time member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister.
- Election Commission relaxes 50 percent limit on election rallies percent.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address webinar on the positive impact of Union Budget
2022 on water & sanitation under ‘Har Ghar Jal’ on February 23rd.
- Karnataka Assembly passes Karnataka Ministers Salaries & Allowances (Amendment) Bill
2022 & Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions & Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2022.
- Agartala Smart City adopts 'one for ten' trees compensatory afforestation drive to minimise
ecological loss.
- Madhya Pradesh govt lifts all restrictions imposed due to COVID-19.
- Karnataka extends curfew and Section 144 in Shivamogga, movement allowed from 6 am -9
am.
- Delimitation Commission, mandated to redraw the electoral constituencies of Jammu and
Kashmir, gets an extension of two months. It’s term was scheduled to end on March 6th,
2022.
International News
- An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 occurred around 8:30 pm on February 22nd at 123km SW of

Fayzabad, Afghanistan.
- India sends wheat loaded in 50 trucks for the people of Afghanistan.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces first round of economic sanctions on
Russia.
- Indian High Commission in Tanzania honours social media lip-syncing sensation Kili Paul.

- India, Bangladesh step up CEPA feasibility study.

- Russia says to evacuate diplomats from Ukraine soon.
- President Vladimir Putin asks upper house to approve the use of Russian army outside
Russia.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa beats Chess

King Magnus Carlsen in Airthings Masters -
Get Details Here
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa beats Chess King Magnus Carlsen: 16-year-old Indian

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa from Chennai scripted history on Monday by beating world No.
1 and the reigning five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen. Carlsen who was the favourite to
win against India's teen prodigy was left surprised when Praggnanandhaa beat him in the 8th
Round of the Airthings Masters online rapid chess tournament. Praggnanandhaa, while playing
with Black Pieces managed to outfox World No 1 in 39 moves in a Tarrasch variation. The Indian
GM lies in joint 12th spot after eight rounds with eight points.
3rd Indian to beat Norwegian Grandmaster
The achievement of Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is special and historic as this is only the third
time that an Indian has been able to beat Norwegian Chess King Magnus Carlsen. Before him,
Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna have also managed to beat Carlsen on two different
occasions. Before Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa had a tough journey in the tournament and had
beaten Armenian GM Levon Aronian merely hours before his historic match.
Dream Come True for Teenage Prodigy
Beating World Champion Magnus Carlsen was a dream come true for Praggnanandhaa.
Norwegian World No 1 Carlsen, the undisputed emperor of chess and is considered to be
‘Greatest of All Time’ in the Chess fraternity. Earlier, while interacting with media persons after
becoming the 2nd youngest grandmaster, Praggyu (as Praggnanandhaa is fondly called in the
chess circuit) had said that. “Beating him once is my biggest dream,”. Describing his idol's
approach to the game he had added “He (Carlsen) has a solution for even the most complicated
problem.” But on Monday, even the World Champion didn’t have a move to counter
Praggnanandhaa.
Congratulations Pour in for Teen Prodigy
Following his win over World No 1, Magnus Carlsen wishes poured in for Teen Prodigy
Praggnanandhaa. Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar has congratulated Rameshbabu

Praggnanandhaa on Twitter. In a short message, Master Blaster wrote “What a wonderful feeling
it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced & decorated Magnus Carlsen,
and that too while playing black, is magical! Best wishes on a long & successful chess career
ahead. You’ve made India proud!”
Thank you very much sir! It means a lot coming from you!! https://t.co/NwlZDksfmZ
— Praggnanandhaa (@rpragchess) February 21, 2022
On similar lines, Union Minister for I&B and Youth Affairs & Sports Mr Anurag Thakur, Film Actor
Anupam Kher and Spiritual Guru Sadhguru have also congratulated Praggnanandhaa.
Remarkable achievement !
Inspiring and a proud moment for India’s Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa!
The 16-year old Grandmaster scored a victory over reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen.
I am confident you will achieve even more going ahead; wishing you the very best !
pic.twitter.com/kiT29sutFy
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 22, 2022

Praggnanandhaa- Congratulations on a wonderful achievement. You have delighted the Nation
with your talent & skill. It’s great to see you living up to your name. My Best Wishes & Blessings.
–Sg @rpragchess https://t.co/2EDFMrICOw
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) February 22, 2022

Proud of you my dearest #Praggnanandhaa. What a grand victory!! Jai Ho!! #chesschampion
@rpragchess pic.twitter.com/93sOcZFFhh
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 22, 2022

About Airthings Masters
Airthings Masters is an online rapid chess tournament. The tournament has a 16-player format
and is held online in rapid tournament. For each match, a player gets three points for a win and
one for a draw in the preliminary rounds. In total there are 7 preliminary rounds following which
the top 8 players are selected to enter the knockout stage.

India's Economic Outlook FY 2022-23
The Indian economy is expected to revert to growth in FY22 after a dip of 7.3 percent in FY21,
as per the latest CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 by Client Associates, an independent
wealth management firm in India.
The firm's annual report stated that the macro profile of the country remains largely conducive to
growth. It said that strong government spending along with improving exports and effective policy
measures by RBI and the government are likely to support strong economic activities in FY2023.
The assessment highlighted that high-frequency indicators such as PMIs are consistently in the
expansion zone and the robust GST collections are positive drivers for the economy.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also announced during her Budget 2022 speech
that India had recorded Gross GST collections at Rs 1,40,986 crore for January 2022, which is
the highest since the inception of GST.
Read more: Income Tax Budget 2022: No change in Income Tax slabs, 30 percent tax on
virtual asset transfer
India's Economic Growth between FY2015-FY2020
The CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 noted that India's Economic Activities between FY2015
and FY2020 witnessed a sequential slowdown from 8.3% in FY17 to a 7.3% contraction in FY21
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pace of India's growth averaged a weak 3.5% growth during
the period due to weak industrial output and fall in private consumption demand.
India's Economic Growth in H1 of FY22
- The first half of the FY 2021-22 witnessed a strong rebound in economic activities after the
disruption caused by the destructive second wave of the covid-19 pandemic. The economic
recovery was aided by rapid COVID-19 vaccination, reopening of domestic economy,
accommodative monetary policy and expansionary fiscal policy.
- India's real GDP growth stood at 20.1 percent during the first quarter of the fiscal year and at
8.4 percent in the second quarter.
- Overall, the domestic output registered in the first quarter was lower than pre-pandemic levels
and also registered a 16.8 percent drop in comparison to the previous quarter due to the

second wave of the pandemic.

- However, stable growth in agriculture sector and broad-based recovery in industrial output
helped the national headline output register a marginal expansion of 0.3% over the pre-
pandemic levels in the second quarter of FY 21-22.
- Further, a rise in government expenditure and a strong capital outlay to improve investment
activity further supported the rebound in economic activities, as per the report. The liquidity
conditions also remained at ease due to large-scale OMO operations by RBI.
India's Economic Outlook for H2 of FY 22
- CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 notes that as per the first advanced estimates released
by National Statistical Office, the domestic economic activity is poised to register an
expansion of 9.2 percent.
- The agricultural sector is expected to report a 3.9 percent growth in output subject to good
monsoon season and rise in area under cultivation.
- Other sectors including manufacturing, mining and construction are also expected to register
a double digit growth.
- The services sector, however, is expected to report a slower rebound, which can negatively
impact the overall domestic growth.
India's Economic Outlook for FY 23
CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 stated that the World Bank upgraded India's growth
prospects in FY23 to 8.7% from an earlier estimate of 7.5% in its recent update.
As per the latest estimates, India's economic growth is expected to be between 7.5-9% during the
next fiscal.
India's GDP growth in FY 23 is expected to be supported by strong government spending and

capital expenditure in the absence of a meaningful pickup in private consumption demand, noted
the report.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a 35 per cent increase in the outlay for capital
expenditure in FY23 in her Union Budget 2022 speech.
Read more: Capex Budget 2022: Capital Expenditure Hike by 30%, Check Key Highlights
Here
RBI Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Review: February 2022

The Reserve Bank of India decided to continue its accommodative stance and kept repo rate
unchanged at 4 percent and the reverse repo rate unchanged at 3.35 percent during its bi-
monthly monetary policy review on February 10, 2022.
The RBI also projected real GDP growth at 7.8 percent for the fiscal year 2022-23.The CPI
inflation projection has also been retained at 5.3% for FY 2021-22 and 4.5% for FY 2022-23.
Read full RBI Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Review here
Background
The CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 is the 7th edition of the report. The first edition of the
assessment was launched by Client Associates in January, 2016
Refer to the full CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 here

CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022: Key

Highlights
The 7th edition of the CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 has been launched by Client
Associates, a private wealth management firm. The first edition of the CA Annual Equity
Assessment was launched back in 2016. CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022 is an outcome of a
comprehensive assessment of both the domestic and global economic factors.
The report has become a navigator in a world which has become even more unpredictable than
what it was before. Like any other year, the CA Annual Equity Assessment report highlights that
2022 is also going to be an eventful one and the high levels of inflation in the developed world are
going to define the shape of the market in 2022 to a great extent.
CA Annual Equity Assessment 2022: Key Highlights
1. As the Government of India demonstrates the continuity of growth-oriented stance with the
Budget 2022, the current year is expected to be of good growth for the Indian economy.
2. Client Associates Equity Assessment Grid (CAE3) reflects a robust rebound in economic
activities, healthier corporate balance sheets, strong earning growths, and the structural reforms
that are likely to improve the value of the Indian businesses.
3. The reforms by the Indian Government and rebound in the economic activities will also
continue the EPS growth in the FY2023 and the stable sectors such as IT, private banks, and
consumers are likely to sustain the growth momentum.
4. India is also better placed in terms of the expected EPS growth and economic activities which
means that the Indian market will continue to command some premium over historical valuations
and global peers.
5. As the CA grid assigns the CAE3 score to the Indian equity markets as Neutral, the score can
see the improvement over the short term if the earnings are upgraded more than the market
expectations and/or if the market consolidates or declines from the current level despite the
strong fundamentals.
Domestic Economic Cycle

The period from FY2015 to FY2020 has witnessed a slowdown in India’s economic activity from
8.3% in FY2017 to a pandemic induced 7.3% contraction in FY21. The pace of the domestic
growth averaged a weak 3.5% growth on account of the faltering private consumption demand
and weak industrial output.
However, the strong government spending, effective policy measures by RBI are likely to support
the strong economic activities in FY2023.
FY FY FY FY
Annual GDP Growth Rate (GVA at FY FY
basic prices) 2017 2021
2018 2019 2020 2022E
Agriculture, forestry & fishing 6.8 6.6 2.6 4.3 3.6 3.9
Mining & quarrying 9.8 -5.9 0.3 -2.5 -8.5 14.3
Manufacturing 7.9 7.5 5.3 -2.4 -7.2 12.5
Electricity, gas, water supply &

10 10.6 8.0 2.1 1.9 8.5
other utility services
Construction 5.9 5.2 6.3 1.0 -8.6 10.7
Trade, hotels, transport,

7.7 10.3 7.1 6.4 -18.2 11.9
communication and services
Financial, real estate & prof

8.6 1.8 7.2 7.3 -1.5 4.0
services
Public Administration, defense

9.3 8.3 7.4 8.3 -4.6 10.7
and other services
GVA at basic prices 8.0 6.2 5.9 4.1 -6.2 8.6
Net taxes on Products 11.7 13.3 13.4 3.1 -18.4 -16.2
GDP 8.3 6.8 6.5 4.0 -7.3 9.2
About Client Associates
Client Associates is a client-oriented private wealth management practice. It helps its clients in
managing their wealth in the most effective manner. The firm provides its focused attention and
understanding of the wealthy families in India.
Client Associates has a track record of building efficient portfolios across the market cycles along
with offering unbiased and non-conflicted advice with the use of globally accepted investment

processes.
Over the years, with the successful acceptance of Client Associates by their private clients and
the goodwill, the firm has seen continuous growth.

NASA to retire International Space Station in

January 2031, to fall in the Pacific Ocean
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has announced that the International Space
Station (ISS) will cease its functioning by 2031. The Director of ISS, Robyn Gatens said in a press
release that the International Space Station is entering its third and the most productive decade
as a groundbreaking scientific platform in microgravity. At the end of the year 2030, the low-Earth
orbit will see the last of the International Space Station as the floating laboratory will cease the
operations and swoop down the Earth.
International Space Station: What is the significance?
1. The International Space Station has been hovering in the low Earth orbit for more than two
decades, zooming across the periphery of the Earth at the speed of 8 km per second.
2. International Space Station is one of its kind laboratory that has helped human civilization
research and achieves some cutting-edge scientific and technological developments.
3. The International Space Station also serves as the host to myriad scientific activities and
experiments that contribute to the preparation of sending the first woman and first person of
colour to space.
4. International Space Station also hosts the groundbreaking work by NASA of sending the first
humans to Mars.
ISS to retire in Pacific Ocean
As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the operators of ISS in 2031 will direct
the station to fall in the South Pacific Oceanic Uninhabited area which is commonly known as
Point Nemo. Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean is considered to be the remotest location on Earth.
With this, the International Space Station will no longer be a cosmic entity but will return to the
ground, and all that is left behind will be its legacy.
What will happen after International Space Station retires?

NASA states in a press release that it is creating a space for the commercially-owned and
operated low-Earth orbit destinations (CLDs). It will operate as an alternative to the International
Space Station.
As per the Director of Commercial Space, NASA HQ, the private sector is technically and
financially capable of developing and operating CLDs with NASA’s assistance.
About International Space Station
International Space Station was launched in 1998. It weighs 4,20,000 kg and is 74 m in length
and 110 m wide equivalent to the size of a football field.
International Space Station is a multinational collaborative project which involved five participating
space agencies: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA
(Canada).
ISS serves as a microgravity and the space environment research laboratory in which scientific
research is conducted in astronomy, astrobiology, physics, meteorology, and other fields.

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula

Gunatilleka appointed CFO of Jet Airways
Former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, Vipula Gunatilleka has been appointed as the chief financial
officer (CFO) of the grounded Jet Airways. The decision was taken by the promoters of the
airlines, Jalan Kalrock consortium.
Vipula Gunatilleka was serving as the CEO of Sri Lankan airways till last month. He has now
been tasked with reviving the grounded carrier.
Gunatilleka will join Jet Airways officially from March 1, 2022. He is considered as a turnaround
specialist and an aviation expert.
He had overseen the SriLankan airlines during the most difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He had been tasked with restruction the airlines in 2018.
Jet Airways said in a statement that in less than two years of his assuming the role of CEO of
SriLankan airlines, the airline recorded a positive EBITDA and cash flow for 2019-20, surviving
the after effects of the Sri Lankan terror attacks in April 2019 and the global pandemic in early
2020.
SriLankan airline was, in fact, accredited with the “World's Most Punctual Airline” twice in 2019.
About Vipula Gunatilleka
- Vipula Gunatilleka qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987. He then pursued his MBA
from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- He also qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) from the UK.
- He is also a Certified Public Accountant (FCPA) from Australia.
- He first joined SriLankan Airlines as its CFO in 2001. He served as the CFO of the airlines till
January 2022.
- Before that, he was serving as the CFO and Board Member of TAAG Angola Airlines from
November 2015 to July 2018 under Emirates Management.
- He had played a crucial role in turning around Angola's loss-making national carrier.
- Gunatilleka is known for his astute knowledge in strategic planning, aircraft financing, cost-
efficient business modelling and openness to adopt hybrid models.

Speaking on his new journey with Jet Airways, Gunatilleka shared, "I am very excited to join the
company and I look forward to contributing my knowledge of last 30 years in Jet Airways'
resurgence in its new avatar. We will capitalise on the strong brand value which Jet
Airways has in the market and use it to re-build the lost ground."

Russian President recognizes two Ukraine

separatist regions as independent
Russian President Vladimir Putin announces the recognition of two separatist republics in eastern
Ukraine - Donetsk and Lugansk - as independent through a televised address on February 21,
2022. The Russian President also called Ukraine a US colony with 'a puppet regime'.
The Russian President also ordered the sending of Russian Armed Forces to the two breakaway
regions of Ukraine after recognizing their independence.
Ukraine is a US colony with 'a puppet regime', Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a
televised address.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that Russia's decision to recognize Ukraine regions
of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent is a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of
Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
US strongly condemns Russia’s recognition of Ukraine regions as independent
US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said issued a statement saying that the US strongly
condemns President Putin’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s
Republics” as “independent",
Blinken further stated that the decision represents a complete rejection of Russia’s commitments
under Minsk agreements and directly contradicts Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy and
is a clear attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As we said when Duma first made its request: decision represents a complete rejection of
Russia’s commitments under Minsk agreements, directly contradicts Russia’s claimed
commitment to diplomacy&is a clear attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty&territorial integrity:US Secy
of State
He said that “states have an obligation not to recognize a new “state” created via threat or
use of force, as well as an obligation not to disrupt another state’s borders. Russia’s

decision is yet another example of President Putin’s flagrant disrespect for int'l law &
norms.”
US President Joe Biden also had a secure call with French President Emmanuel Macron and
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which the leaders strongly condemned President
Putin’s decision to recognize the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine as
“independent.” They also discussed how they will continue to coordinate their response on the
next steps.
Biden also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the commitment
of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He not only strongly condemned Russian President Putin’s decision to purportedly recognize the
“independence” of the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine but also reiterated that the
United States would respond swiftly and decisively, in lock-step with its Allies and partners, to
further Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine crisis | President Biden strongly condemned Russian President Putin’s decision to
purportedly recognize the “independence” of the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine, it
further added
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in an address to the nation on February 22nd accused
Russia of wrecking peace talks and ruled out making any territorial concessions.
UNSC Emergency Meeting on Ukraine
The UN Security Council had also held an emergency meeting on Ukraine on February 21, 2022
upon request from the US and its allies. The UNSC meeting on Ukraine was an open meeting.
The United States representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at the meeting that the
“US will take further measures to hold Russia accountable for clear violation of
international law. We and our partners are clear that there will be swift & severe response
were Russia to further invade Ukraine. In this moment no one can stand on the sidelines.”
US further said at the meeting that “Russia's clear attack on Ukraine's territorial integrity &
sovereignty is unprovoked. It is an attack on Ukraine's status as a UN member state. It
violates basic principles of international law.”

This move by Russian President Putin is clearly the basis of Russia's attempt to create a pretext
for the further invasion of Ukraine: US Representative at UNSC meet on Ukraine

India at UNSC
The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of
deep concern. These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the
region:
India's Permanent Rep to United Nations, TS Tirumurti called for restraint on all sides. He said
that the escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter
of deep concern. These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the
region.
Tirumurti continued by saying, “We're convinced that this issue can only be resolved through
diplomatic dialogue.We need to give space to recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek
to diffuse tensions.” He emphasized on the importance of the safety and security of civilians
and highlighted that more than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in
different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas and stressed, “well-being of Indians
is of priority to us.”
Safety&security of civilians essential. More than 20,000 Indian students& nationals live&study in
different parts of Ukraine, incl in its border areas. The well-being of Indians is of priority to us:
India's Permanent Rep to United Nations TS Tirumurti, at UNSC meet on Ukraine
pic.twitter.com/kRcAdVAtuI
“We strongly emphasize the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by
exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually
amicable solution is arrived at the earliest,” he further added.
Russia at UNSC
Russian representative to the UN said at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine, “We remain open to
diplomacy for diplomatic solution. However, allowing bloodbath in Donbas is something we don’t
intend to do. We are forced to note the negative role played by our western colleagues led by the
US.”

Ukraine at UNSC
The Ukrainian ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya said, “Today, the entire membership of
the United Nations is under attack. Under attack by the country that occupied the membership of
the Security Council in 1991 bypassing the UN charter. The country that occupied parts of
Ukraine in 2014.”
He reiterated that Ukraine wants peace and is consistent in their actions. He said, “We are
committed to a political & diplomatic settlement, we do not succumb to provocations” and urged
Russia to return to the table for negotiations.
We demand Russia to return to the table for negotiations. We condemn the order to deploy
additional Russian occupation troops in the territories of Ukraine. We demand the immediate and
complete verifiable withdrawal of occupation troops: Ukraine at UNSC meeting
He said, “we condemn the order to deploy additional Russian occupation troops in the territories
of Ukraine. We demand the immediate and complete verifiable withdrawal of occupation troops.”
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with China’s State Councillor & Foreign
Minister Wang Yi about development in the DPRK & Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. During
the talks, Blinken underscored the need to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty & territorial integrity.
US President Biden blocks investment in Ukraine breakaway regions
US President Joe Biden on February 22, 2022 signed an executive order banning all new
investment, trade and financing by US citizens to and from the "so-called Donetsk and Luhansk
People's Republics."
The order blocks property on certain persons and prohibits certain transactions with respect to
continued Russian efforts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The order "prohibits new investment in so-called DNR or LNR regions of Ukraine or such other
regions of Ukraine as may be determined by Secy of Treasury, in consultation with Secy of State
(collectively, the “Covered Regions”), by a United States person, wherever located."

Airthings Masters: Praggnanandhaa, 16-year

old Indian beats World No.1 Carlsen in online
Chess tournament
Airthings Masters 2022: Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, a 16-year old Indian Grandmaster,

on February 21, 2022, defeated the World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the
eighth round of the Airthings Masters online rapid Chess tournament. Both the chess
players had a rough start in the event.
Airthings Masters chess tournament has four games played on each of the three days (Feb 19-
21) of the preliminary stage while the three rounds will be played on February 22, 2022.
As Praggnanandhaa becomes the third Indian and the youngest player to beat Carlsen, the
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the Indian Grandmaster on the marvelous
victory and wished him a successful career ahead.
What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced &
decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical!
Best wishes on a long & successful chess career ahead. You’ve made India proud!
pic.twitter.com/hTQiwznJvX
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 21, 2022

Praggnanandhaa: How Indian Grandmaster defeated World No. 1 Carlsen?
1. Praggananadhaa halted the three-game winning streak of Carlsen on the second day of the 16-
player all-play-all online tournament which is part of the Champions Chess Tour.
2. As Carlsen charged up the points table with three wins in a row, he ran into Praggnanandhaa in
the eight-round and stumbled as the Indian player recorded his first win against Carlsen in any
format of chess.
3. Praggnanandhaa opted for Tarrasch Variation in French defense and got an advantage as
Carlsen blundered and the Indian Grandmaster won in 39 moves. This was also
Praggnanandhaa’s second win in the eight games in this event.

4. Earlier, Praggnanandhaa had defeated the Armenian-American Levon Aronian and drew with
Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri and Vietnam’s Le Quang Liem.
Who is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa?
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is a 16-years old Indian Grandmaster. He is a Chess prodigy and

the fifth-youngest person ever to achieve the title of Grandmaster. Praggnanandhaa is behind
Abhimanyu Mishra, Sergey Karjakin, Gukesh D, and Javokhir Sindarov.
In 2013, Praggnanandhaa had won the World Youth Chess Championships under-8 title and he
won the Under-10 title in 2015.
Later in 2016, he became the youngest international master in history, at the age of 10 years, 10
months and 19 days. In November 2017, Praggnanandhaa achieved his first grandmaster norm at
the West Junior Chess Championship where he finished fourth with 8 points.
Airthing Masters 2022
Airthing Masters has kicked off the Meltwater Champions Chess tour of 2022. The 16 players in
total will battle it out in the round-robin stage of the online event before the eight go forward to the
knockout stage. Airthing Masters 2022 tournament is taking place from February 19-26, 2022.


2022
National News
- Maritime exercise Milan-2022 to be conducted in Visakhapatnam for first time, invitations

extended to navies of 45 countries.
- SC appointed expert committee submits interim report on Pegasus row, hearing scheduled on
February 23.
- India, UAE CEPA agreement to provide 10 lakh job opportunities; increase bilateral trade by
USD 100 billion, says Piyush Goyal.
- Northern Army Commander visits Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh to review security
situation.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation grants emergency use authorisation to
Biological E's COVID-19 vaccine CORBEVAX for 12-18 year age group.
- SC to hear review petition of Shapoorji Pallonji Group against ouster of Cyrus Mistry on
March 9.
- The fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will take place on February 23.
- Maharashtra Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray has launched the new Armour dive boat at
Tarkarli MTDC, Sindhurdurg, making it state's first scuba dive boat.
International News
- Russian President Vladimir Putin announces the recognition of two separatist republics in
eastern Ukraine - Donetsk and Lugansk - as independent.
- UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting on the Ukraine crisis.
- US President Joe Biden signs executive order to prohibit new investment, trade and financing
by US persons to and from breakaway regions in Ukraine.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin orders Russian armed forces to Ukraine breakaway regions.
- Colombia's Constitutional Court decriminalizes abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Sports News
- 16-year-old Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa stunned Magnus Carlsen with ‘historic’ win
in the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour’s Airthings Masters tournament.
- Cricket Australia grants NoC to Australians including David Warner, Pat Cummins to
participate in IPL 2022.

World Thinking Day 2022: Theme, History and

why the day is significant?
World Thinking Day 2022: World Thinking Day is observed every year on February 22 to help,
spread awareness and give voice to young women all over the world. World Thinking Day 2022
is celebrated by the girl guides and girl scouts in 150 countries and donations are also made to
support them. World Thinking Day 2022 celebrates sisterhood, friendship, and women
empowerment. The day also provides an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect women and
girls globally.
World Thinking Day 2022 is a platform for the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides
and Girls Scouts) members to speak out on the issues and also provide suggestions on how the
problems can be tackled.
World Thinking Day 2022 Date
World Thinking Day is observed annually on February 22 all over the world.
World Thinking Day 2022 Theme
World Thinking Day is observed globally every year to inspire and speak for young women. The
theme of World Thinking Day is decided by the team of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. This year the
theme of the World Thinking Day is announced to be ‘Our World: Our Equal Future: The
Environment and Gender Equality' which highlights the significance of the environment in the
context of gender equality.
World Thinking Day 2022 History
In 1926, the Girl Scout and Girl Guide delegations all over the world met in the US for the fourth
World Conference in which the need for a day was discussed for the girl scout where they can
spread awareness for the girl scouts and girl guides.
It was decided in the conference that February 22 will be observed as Thinking Day as the
day also marks the birthday of Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide.
Later in 1999, it was decided at the 30th World Conference in Dublin that the Thinking Day will be

known as the World Thinking Day in order to put more emphasis on the international nature of the
WAGGGS organization.
World Thinking Day 2022 Significance
World Thinking Day 2022 is observed all over the world and the highly significant as it provides a
unique platform for the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides to interact with one another and discuss the
issues that they face.
World Thinking Day also promotes sisterhood and long-lasting friendships among girl scouts that
are based on loyalty and respect.
World Thinking Day 2022 is marked through various events such as hiking activities, bake sales,
seminars, among others.
Wagggs World Thinking Day 2022: What do we know about WAGGGS?
The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides (WAGGGS) is a global association. It
supports the female-oriented and female-only Scouting and Guiding organisations in 152
countries around the world.
WAGGGS was established in 1928 in Hungary and it has its headquarters in London, United
Kingdom.
World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides is organized into five regions and it operates
five international guiding centers. WAGGGS also holds full member status in the European
Youth Forum.

Gujarat Titans Logo: Gujarat Titans unveil

team logo in metaverse- Check Full Squad
Gujarat Titans unveiled team logo in the Metaverse on February 20, 2022. The logo symbolises
the franchise's aspirations to achieve pinnacle of success in the upcoming IPL 2022 edition.
The Gujarat Titans logo was unveiled by Head Coach Ashish Nehru along with Captain Hardik
Pandya and Shubman Gill in the virtual dugout.
The official statement from the Gujarat Titans read that the IPL team is the first one to embrace
the metaverse. The Gujarat Titans metaverse will be a space where the Titans and their fans will
meet and interact seamlessly.
Step into the Titans Dugout! Watch our stars unveil the logo in the metaverse!
https://t.co/dCcIzWpM4U#GujaratTitans pic.twitter.com/9N6Cl6a3y4
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) February 20, 2022
Gujarat Titans Captain-Hardik Pandya
Gujarat Titans Head Coach- Ashish Nehra
Gujarat Titans Owner- CVC Capitals
Gujarat Titans Squad: Full List of Gujarat Titan Players 2022 after IPL Auction 2022
Hardik Pandya
Rashid Khan
Shubman Gill
Mohammed Shami
Jason Roy
Lockie Ferguson

Abhinav Sadarangani
Rahul Tewatia
Noor Ahmed
Sai Kishore
Vijay Shankar
Jayant Yadav
Dominic Drakes
Darshan Nalkande
Yash Dayal
Alzarri Joseph
Pradeep Sangwan
David Miller
Wriddhiman Saha
Matthew Wade
Varun Aaron
B Sai Sudharshan
Background
Gujarat Titans is one of the two new teams in IPL 2022. CVC Capitals placed the winning bid for
the team with a bid of Rs 5000 crores.
The team had earlier picked up 3 draft players-Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill-
ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction. Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan were signed for Rs 15 crores
each and Shubman Gill was signed at Rs. 8 crores.


Fifth Fodder Scam Case verdict: Lalu Prasad

Yadav sentenced to 5 years in prison, fined
Rs 60 lakh
Fodder Scam Case verdict: A CBI court in Ranchi has sentenced RJD leader and Former Bihar
Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to 5 years' imprisonment in the fifth fodder scam case. The
court has also imposed a fine of Rs 60 lakh on the political leader.
Lalu Prasad Yadav's son and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said after the court's verdict, "I will not
comment on the court verdict. This is not the last judgment. High Court, Supreme court are there.
We've challenged it in the High court and we are hopeful that the judgment of lower court will
change in High Court."
The three-time Chief Minister was found guilty in the fifth fodder scam case along with 39 others
on February 15, 2022. The fifth fodder scam case involves illegal withdrawal of Rs 139.5 crore
from the Doranda treasury, as part of the fodder scam that took place in 1995-96, when Lalu
Prasad Yadav was Bihar's Chief Minister.
I will not comment on the court verdict. This is not the last judgment. High Court, Supreme court
are there. We've challenged it in the High court and we are hopeful that the judgment of lower
court will change in High Court: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav https://t.co/qMVqhhirkE
pic.twitter.com/tKB3w8SBvw
The 73-year-old leader is out on bail and is unwell. He was taken to the jail hospital in Ranchi on
February 15 after the announcement of his conviction. He joined the latest court hearing
pronouncing his quantum of punishment through video conferencing.
Fifth Fodder Scam Case: What is it about?
- The RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was among the 99 people suspected initially in the fifth
fodder scam case that involved withdrawal of 139.35 crore illegally in 1995-96 from the
Doranda treasury.
- The case is considered the most important as it involved such a huge volume of money and
the longest period of fake withdrawals from the Doranda treasury between 1990-91 and 1995-

96.
- The amount was withdrawn fraudulently in name of buying fodder, medicines and equipment
for the animal husbandry department (AHD).
- A case was registered in connection with the same with the Doranda police station on
February 17, 1996. The Patna High Court ordered CBI investigation into the case on March
11, 1996.
- The state government had approached the Supreme Court against the order but their plea
was rejected.
- Lalu Yadav and 39 others were found guilty in the case by the CBI court in Ranchi on
February 15, after which he was lodged in the Birsa Munda Central Jail and then shifted to
state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
- The former Bihar CM had secured bail after being sentenced to 14 years in prison in four
cases related to Dumka, Deoghar and Chaibasa treasuries.
- He was convicted for the first time in the first case in 2013 and then in the second case in
2017.
- He was convicted in the third and fourth case in January and March 2018 respectively.
Background
The CBI had registered a total of 64 cases in connection with the multi-crore fodder scam and
Lalu was suspected of being involved in six of them. Out of the six cases, five cases were
transferred to Jharkhand after bifurcation of Bihar and one was dealt in Patna.
One case linked to the fodder scam is pending before the CBI court in Patna. The case relates to
illegal withdrawl of money from Bank-Bhagalpur treasury.
Overall, the fodder scam involving almost 950-crore fraudulent withdrawals involved large-scale
corruption in which funds meant for animal fodder were embezzled from multiple government
treasuries across Bihar. The Animal Husbandry Department had reportedly issued fake bills to
facilitate the scam.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has been in jail since December 2017, has served most of his sentence
at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Jharkhand due to ill health. He was brought to
Delhi in January 2021 after worsening of his health condition.

International Mother Language Day 2022:

Why is it Celebrated and Mother Tongues in
India
International Mother Language Day 2022: International Mother Language Day 2022 was
celebrated across the world on February 21, 2022. The day is observed annually on February 21
to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
International Mother Language Day was approved by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization or UNESCO in 1999. The day is celebrated every year since 2000.
As per the UN body, about 40 per cent of the world’s population does not have access to
an education in a language they speak or understand.
International Mother Language Day 2022 Theme
The International Mother Language Day 2022 Theme is “Using technology for multilingual
learning: Challenges and opportunities”. Under this year's theme, UNESCO will discuss the
potential role of technology to advance education in various languages and support the
development of quality teaching and learning for all.
UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said on the occasion, "Technology can provide
new tools for protecting linguistic diversity. Such tools, for example, facilitating
their spread and analysis, allow us to record and preserve languages which
sometimes exist only in oral form. Put simply, they make local dialects a shared heritage.
However, because the Internet poses a risk of linguistic uniformization, we must also be
aware that technological progress will serve plurilingualism only as long as we make the
effort to ensure that it does".
Why is International Mother Language Day celebrated?
- The International Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative to promote the
preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world.
- UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable
societies. It had also expressed concern over the disappearance of languages across the

world. Globally, the linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages
disappear.
- Hence, UNESCO decided to observe the International Mother Language Day as a
commitment towards understanding the importance of mother language or mother tongue,
especially in early schooling.
- The International Mother Language Day is a step towards showing commitment to the
development of mother tongue in public life.
International Mother Language Day History
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day came first from Bangladesh. The
idea was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference. The day has been observed
every year since the year 2000.
International Mother Language Day in India
India celebrated International Mother Language Day as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu spoke about the importance of International Mother Language
Day through a tweet. He said, " technology can greatly further the cause of multilingual
education and bring about an inclusive educational experience.
Mother Tongues in India
India has a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues, as per 2011 Census. The eighth
schedule of the Indian constitution consists of 22 languages. The census data is divided into two
parts, Part 1 that comprises the 22 languages specified in the constitution and Part B that
comprises those languages that are not mentioned in the schedule.
A total of 123 mother tongues are grouped in scheduled languages category and 147 mother
tongues are grouped under non-scheduled languages.
Some of the widely known mother tongues in India include Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Hindi,
Rajasthani, Tamil, Urgu, Telugu, Konkani, Awadhi, Assamese, Manipuri, Haryanvi, Kannada,
Odia, Gujarati and Sindhi.
Other scheduled mother tongues in India include Bhojpuri, Garhwali, Marathi, Maithili, Dogri,
Pahari, Chhattisgarhi, Marwari and Sambalpuri.
Some of the non-scheduled mother tongues category include Arabic, Khariya, Gujari, Sherpa,

Kinnauri, Afghani, English, Baori, Tulu, Mao and Monpa.

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Goutham Reddy

passes away due to heart attack
Andhra Pradesh Information and Technology and Industries Minister Mekapati Gautham Reddy
passed away in the morning on February 21, 2022 after suffering a heart attack.
The 50-year-old had returned to Hyderabad from Dubai on February 20th. He was taken to Apollo
Hospitals at Jubilee Hills after collapsing at his place.
Andhra Pradesh Chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa
Bhushan Harichandan expressed deep shock over the sudden demise of Goutham Reddy.
Hyderabad | Andhra Pradesh IT & Industries Minister Gautham Reddy passed away today
morning after suffering a heart attack pic.twitter.com/U6xfZpDtS5

Hospital Statement
The hospital said in an official statement, "The minister arrived into our ER at 7.45am and was
unresponsive and not breathing and in cardiac arrest on arrival. He received immediate
CPR and advanced cardiac life support in our emergency department."
"The emergency medicine team and specialists including cardiologists and critical care
doctors have attended to him. CPR was done for more than 90 minutes. Despite our best
efforts, he could not be revived," the statement read. Gautham Reddy is survived by his wife
Keerthi and two children, daughter Ananya Reddy and son Arjun Reddy.
About Goutham Reddy
- Mekapati Gautham Reddy was born on December 31, 1976 at Brahmanapalli village in
Nellore District.
- He did his MSc in textiles at Machester University in the United Kingdom.
- He was first elected as an MLA from Atmakur assembly constituency in 2014. He was re-
elected in 2019.
- He was appointed as a Minister in the Andhra Pradesh cabinet led by Chief Minister YS
Jagan Mohan Reddy after he came to power in 2019.
- He is credited to have designed the best industrial policy for Andhra Pradesh, which helped

attract good investments to the state in the past two years.

- He was also in Dubai recently for investor's meeting and the Dubai expo in an effort to get
more investment for the state.
- His uncle Chandrasekhar Reddy is an MLA from Udayagiri in Nellore district and his father
Rajamohan Reddy had served as an MP from Narasaraopet, Ongole and Nellore.
- Goutham Reddy was considered to be very close to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minisetr YS Jagan
Mohan Reddy.

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

Awards 2022: Winners Lists; Know Who Won
What
DPIFF Awards 2022 Winners list: Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2022
were conferred to the recipients in a ceremony held on February 20, 2022.
Ranveer Singh received the award for Best Actor for '83', Kriti Sanon won the Best Actress award
for her role in 'Mimi'. Ken Gosho received the DPIFF 2022 Best Director award for 'State of Siege:
Temple Attack' and Best Film award went to 'Shershaah'.
DPIFF 2022 Film of the Year award went to 'Pushpa: The Rise' and Best International Feature
Film award went to Another Round, a comedy-drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and
Asha Parekh was honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Films award.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Awards 2022: List of Winners
- Outstanding Contribution to Films: Asha Parekh

- Film of the Year: Pushpa: The Rise
- Best Film: Shershaah
- Best Director: Ken Ghosh for film State of Siege: Temple Attack
- Best International Feature Film: Another Round
- Best Actor: Ranveer Singh for 83
- Best Actress: Kriti Sanon for Mimi
- Critics Best Actor: Sidharth Malhotra
- Critics Best Actress: Kiara Advani
- Best Actor in Supporting Role Award: Satish Kaushik for film Kaagaz
- Best Actress in Supporting Role: Lara Dutta for film Bell Bottom
- Best Actor in Negative Role: Aayush Sharma for film Antim: The Final Truth
- People’s Choice Best Actor: Abhimanyu Dasani
- People’s Choice Best Actress: Radhika Madan
- Best Debut: Ahan Shetty for film Tadap
- Best Playback Singer Male: Vishal Mishra
- Best Playback Singer Female: Kanika Kapoor

- Critics Best Film: Sardar Udham Singh

- Best Cinematographer: Jayakrishna Gummadi for film Haseena Dilruba
- Best Short Film: Pauli
- Best Actor in Web Series: Manoj Bajpayee for The Family Man 2
- Best Actress in Web Series: Raveena Tandon for Aranyak
- Best Web Series: Candy
- Best Actor in Television Series: Shaheer Sheikh for Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi
- Best Actress in Television Series: Shraddha Arya for Kundali Bhagya
- Television Series of the Year: Anupama
- Most Promising Actor in Television Series: Dheeraj Dhoopar for Kundali Bhagya
- Most Promising Actress in Television Series: Rupali Ganguly for Anupama
DPIFF Awards 2022
- The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is a unique platform that honours the most
creative artists, filmmakers and creators.
- The festival hosts the most pretigious awards ceremony that honours and appreciate leading
artists and storytellers from the entertainment and film industry.
- It is India's only independent awards function that celebrates the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke
– Father of Indian Cinema.


2022
National News
- Andhra Pradesh IT & Industries Minister Gautham Reddy passes away after suffering a heart
attack.
- President Ram Nath Kovind embarks on Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra and receives 21-
gun-salute during the 12th edition of President's Fleet Review.
- President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Assam on February 25-27 and inaugurate year-long birth
anniversary celebration of Lachit Borphukan.
- India's daily rise in COVID-19 cases falls further with 16,051 new infections and 206 deaths
reported in the last 24 hours.
- CBI court to pronounce quantum of sentence for former Bihar CM Lalu Yadav and other
convicts in the fifth fodder scam case today.
- PM Narendra Modi to address a webinar today on how this year’s Union Budget will have a
"positive impact" on the education sector.
International News
- US President Joe Biden accepts in principle meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin if
an invasion hasn't happened.
- Britain's 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II tests positive for COVID-19 with mild, cold-like
symptoms, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
- WHO should upgrade Omicron BA.2 sub-strain as 'variant of concern', demand US health
expert.
Sports News
- Gujarat Titans unveil new logo in metaverse, a virtual reality space.

- Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 concludes, Olympic flag passed on to Italian cities of Milan and
Cortina d'Ampezzo, joint host of next Winter Games.
- Amazon, Reliance to battle for broadcasting rights of Indian Premier League.

UP, Punjab Assembly Polls 2022: Voting

underway in 59 seats in UP, 117 seats
in Punjab
Assembly Polls 2022: The third phase of UP Assembly Polls 2022 are underway in 59
constituencies spread across 16 districts. The fate of key candidates including Akhilesh Yadav
and Shivpal will be decided today.
The voting started at 7 am today and will continue till 6pm. Under the third phase of UP Elections
2022, 627 candidates are in the fray out of whom 97 are women.
The 16 districts that have gone to polls include Firozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mainpuri, Jhansi, Etah,
Hathras, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Kanpur Dehat, Kannuaj, Auriyya, Mahoba, Kasganj, Etawah
and Farukkhabad.
Voting begins for the third phase of #UttarPradeshElections; 59 assembly seats across 16
districts of the state going to polls.
Fates of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, contesting from Karhal and his challenger & BJP candidate
Union minister SP Singh Baghel will be sealed today. pic.twitter.com/TZZwCBY01C

Key Constituencies
Karhal- Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav is contesting his maiden assembly election and he is
pitted against Union Minister of State in Law Ministry Satya Pal Singh Bhagel.
Jaswantnagar - Akhilesh's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav is contesting election from the seat.
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 will be held in seven phases, the remaining
four phases will be held on February 23, 27, March 3 and 7.
Punjab Elections 2022
The single-phase assembly polls are underway in Punjab. Overall, 117 constituencies have gone
to polls and there are 1304 candidates in the fray. The Punjab Assembly Polls 2022 began at 7

am and will conclude at 6 pm.
Punjab is witnessing a multi-party contest between Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Shiromani Akali
Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party alliance and a coalition of BJP and Punjab Lok Congress Party.
Patiala | Punjab Lok Congress founder and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh casts his vote at
polling booth number 95-98 pic.twitter.com/ZWErHsLsZp

Key Constituencies
Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur: Current Punjab Chief Minister is contesting from the two seats.
Amritsar (East)- Congress Punjab Chief Navjot Singh Sidhuis pitted against Bikram Singh
Majithia, AAP's Jeevanjyot Kaur and BJP's Jagmohan Singh Raju.
Dhuri Seat- AAP CM face Bhagwant Mann is contesting from the seat.
Patiala- Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election from the seat.
Lambi seat- Five-time CM and SAD leader Parkash Singh Badal is contesting from the seat.
Jalalabad- SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal is contesting from the seat.
Pathankot- BJP Punjab Chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma is contesting from the seat.
Voter Turnout till 11 am
Punjab Elections2022: 17.77%
Uttar Pradesh Elections 2022 (third phase): 21.18%

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2022:

Quotes, History and Significance
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2022: Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed annually on
February 19. This year, the 392nd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great
Maratha warrior, was celebrated on February 19, 2022.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is mainly observed in Maharashtra and it is a public holiday in
the state. Although the legendary tales of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj transcends the state's
borders and are known across India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on the occasion, "I bow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
on his Jayanti. His outstanding leadership and emphasis on social welfare has been
inspiring people for generations. He was uncompromising when it came to standing up for
values of truth and justice. We are committed to fulfilling his vision."
I bow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. His outstanding leadership and emphasis on
social welfare has been inspiring people for generations. He was uncompromising when it came
to standing up for values of truth and justice. We are committed to fulfilling his vision.
pic.twitter.com/Oa3JLT0P67

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti History
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated every year on February 19 to celebrate the birth
anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, in
Shivneri Fort, near the city of Junnar, present-day Pune district. Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was
first celebrated by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1870.
Who was Shivaji?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the first Chhatrapati and founder of the Maratha Empire.
He had re-established Hindavi Swarajya, self-rule of the Hindu people.
He is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler who carved an enclave from the declining
Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, which became the start of the Maratha Empire.

He seized the Torna fort at the young age of 16 years and by 17 years, he had seized the
Raigad and Kondana forts. He is popularly known as Shivaji Bhosale and was a member of the
Bhonsle Maratha clan.
His efforts and contributions in reviving the Maratha empire amid the Mughal rule in India,
including his fued with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, are well documented in India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Celebrations
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a public holiday in Maharashtra. The day is observed
with much pomp and devotion in the state.
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Quotes
"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Never bend your head always hold it high." -Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive." - Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj
"Do not think of the enemy as weak, then do not be too scared to feel too strong." -
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
"Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a
government." - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj


2022
National News
- PM Modi flagged off 100 Kisan drones in different cities and towns of India to spray pesticides
in farms across India.
- Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to inaugurate around 12,000 new smart classrooms in 240
government schools in the national capital.
- PM Modi to inaugurate 'Gobar-Dhan (Bio-CNG) Plant in Indore, Madhya Pradesh today
through video conferencing.
- 100 districts in India become 'Har Ghar Jal' under Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Fire breaks out in empty carriages of Swatantra Senani Superfast Express at Madhubani
railway station in Bihar.
- Indian high commission issues advisory for students affected by closure of three institutions in
Canada.
- World Bank offers $115 million loan for rejuvenating watersheds in India and fund a
programme that will help national and state institutions.
- IPS officer Rajnish Seth appointed new Director General of Police of Maharashtra.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs a high-level meeting on the development of union
territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sports News
- India defeated West Indies by 8 runs in the 2nd T20 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata to seal the
series 2-0.
- New Zealand heading towards their first Test victory over South Africa since 2004, winning by
an innings and 276 runs.
- Nigeria's 2008 Olympics long jump silver medalist Blessing Okagbare banned for 10 years for
doping.
- Great Britain stripped of its silver medal in the men's 4x100 metres relay at Tokyo Olympics
2020 after CJ Ujah was found to have committed a doping violation.
International News
- Hong Kong in the middle of its worst-ever coronavirus outbreak with healthcare sector getting
severely overstretched.

- Mali's army-led government asked France to withdraw its forces from the Sahel state "without
delay" on February 18, 2022.
- US approves potential USD 6 billion arms sale to Poland.
- US Defence Secretary Austin urges 'de-escalation' in call with Russian counterpart.
- Russian President Putin says sees 'deterioration of situation' in eastern Ukraine.
- Six African countries to establish their own mRNA vaccine production.
- Hong Kong to postpone plans to pick city's new leader amid COVID-19 outbreak.

2008 Ahmedabad Blast Case Verdict: Special

Court sentences 38 to death, 11 to life
imprisonment
A special court on February 18, 2022 awarded death sentence to 38 out of the 49 convicts and
life imprisonment to 11others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case. This is the highest
number of convicts to be sentenced to death in a single case in India's history.
The court also imposed a fine worth Rs 2.85 lakh on each of the 48 convicts in 7015-pages long
order. The death sentence was awarded to the 38 convicts under IPC Section 302 (murder) and
Sections 10 and 16(1) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. A fine worth Rs 25000 was also
imposed on each of the 38 convicts for each of the three offences.
The court awarded life imprisonment to 11 other convicts under IPC Section 302 and UAPA
Sections 10 and 16. The 11 convicts were also fined Rs 25000 each.
A Special Court pronounced its verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad Blast case today. During the
framing of charges, it was said that then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi was the target. An accused
confessed it in his statement before the Magistrate: Sudhir Brahmbhatt, Chief Public Prosecutor
pic.twitter.com/XpWj7zCgvE
Judge AR Patel also ordered compensation worth Rs 1 lakh to the families of those who lost their
lives in the Ahmedabad serial blasts and Rs 50,000 to those who suffered a series of injuries in
the blast and Rs 25000 each to those who suffered minor injuries.
Ahmedabad Blast Case Verdict
The prosecution had sought a death sentence for all 49 convicts but defence lawyers requested
the court for leniency considering their socio-economic conditions.
All the convicts are currently lodged in different jails in Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Jaipur, Bengaluru,
Gaya and Taloja.
The special court had held 49 people guilty in the Ahmedabad bomb blast case on February 8,

2022 and acquitted 28 others giving them the benefit of doubt.
All 49 convicts were found guilty of various charges including murder, criminal conspiracy,
sedition, unlawful activities, terrorist activity and attempting to wage war against the nation, all of
which are punishable by death.
The case trial was conducted by the special court after merging 35 different cases and 20 FIRs
filed in Ahmedabad and 15 in Surat.
One of the convicts, Usman Agarbattiwala was found guilty of Arms Act's Section 25 (1) B(a) and
was awarded a year of imprisonment under the provision.
Ahmedabad Serial Bomb Blasts 2008
A total of 56 people were killed and 246 others were injured when serial bomb blasts occurred in
Ahmedabad on July 26, 2008.
Around 22 explosions occurred in the city, including one outside the trauma centre of the Civil
Hospital. This was where most casualties were reported. Another explosion was reported in the
parking lot of LG Hospital.
Other explosions occurred in places including buses, parked cycles and cars. There were
reportedly 24 bombs, but the ones at Kalol and Naroda did not go off.
Indian Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for the attack and termed it as a reprisal of the 2002
Gujarat Riots.

Ranji Trophy 2022: Schedule, Groups, Teams,

Squads, Timings, Points Table, Live
Streaming
Ranji Trophy 2022: Ranji Trophy 2021-22 is back after a brief halt and will be played between
February 16 and March 5. The BCCI announced that the Ranji Trophy will be played in two
phases, one before the IPL and one after the IPL.
The Ranji Trophy 2022 league phase comprising 57 matches will be played in the short window
before the Indian Premier League. The knockout stage comprising seven matches is scheduled to
be held in June, after the IPL season, leaving the April-May window for Ipl 2022.
Overall, 38 teams will take part in the Ranji Trophy. The tournament will take place across nine
shortlisted venues including Delhi, Chennai, Rajkot, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram,
Cuttack, Guwahati and Hyderabad.
Read Also- Cricket Legend Shane Warne passes away at 52
Ranji Trophy 2022 Schedule, Groups, Matches - 10 Important Facts
1. The Ranji Trophy 2022 will have 64 matches and will be played in 62 days, with 57 league
stage matches and seven in the knock-out stage.
2. The knockouts will be played after IPL 2022 and will comprise seven matches between May 30
and June 26.
3. There will be 38 teams in total including 28 state teams and four out of eight union
territoriesThe teams will be divided into nine groups - Eight Elite and one Plate. The Elite groups
will comprise four teams each and the Plate Group will have six teams.
4. During the league phase, each team will play three matches.The Elite Group teams will play
against all the other sides in their group, while the Plate teams will play against only three sides in
their group.
5. The top seven teams amongst the eight Elite Group toppers will qualify directly for the quarter-

finals.
6. The lowest-ranked team among the eight Elite Group toppers will face the plate group topper in
the pre-quarterfinal match and the winner will take up the last place in the quarterfinals.
7. The pre-quarterfinal match will be played during the league phase only.
8. The Elite Group matches will be held across eight venues- Delhi, Rajkot, Cuttack, Chennai,
Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Haryana, while all the Plate matches will take place
in Kolkata.
9. The eight Elite Group toppers will be ranked based on points, followed by outright wins and
quotient.
10. The quotient might end up being the determining factor in deciding which team will play the
pre-quarterfinal, as several teams could be tied on points and wins with only three games to be
played.
How is Quotient Determined?
The quotient will be determined by dividing the team's batting average by their bowling average. A
higher the quotient,the better it would be for the team.
Ranji Trophy 2022 Full Schedule: Check Fixtures, Venue and Match Timings
Matches Timing/ Venue
February 17 - 20
Gujarat vs Madhya Pradesh,

9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Elite Group A
Haryana vs Tripura, Elite
9:30 AM/ Delhi
Group F
Vidarbha vs Uttar Pradesh,
9:30 AM/ Haryana
Elite Group G
Maharashtra vs Assam, Elite
9:30 AM/ Haryana
Group G
Delhi vs Tamil Nadu, Elite
9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Group H

Jharkhand vs Chhattisgarh,
9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Elite Group H
Bihar vs Mizoram, Plate 9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Nagaland vs Sikkim, Plate 9:30 AM/ Kolkata

Manipur vs Arunachal
9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Pradesh, Plate
Punjab vs Himachal Pradesh,
9:30 AM/ Delhi
Elite Group F
Services vs Uttarakhand, Elite
9:30 AM/ Thiruvananthapuram
Group E
Kerala vs Meghalaya, Elite
9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Group A
Bengal vs Baroda, Elite
9:30 AM/ Cuttack
Group B
Hyderabad vs Chandigarh,
9:30 AM/ Cuttack
Elite Group B
Karnataka vs Railways, Elite
9:30 AM/ Chennai
Group C
Jammu and Kashmir vs
9:30 AM/ Chennai
Puducherry, Elite Group C
Saurashtra vs Mumbai, Elite
9:30 AM/ Ahmedabad
Group D
Odisha vs Goa, Elite Group D 9:30 AM/ Ahmedabad
Andhra vs Rajasthan, Elite
9:30 AM/ Thiruvananthapuram
Group E
February 24-27
Himachal Pradesh vs Tripura,

Elite Group F 9:30 AM/ Delhi
Vidarbha vs Maharashtra,
Elite Group G 9:30 AM/ Haryana
Uttar Pradesh vs Assam, Elite

Group G 9:30 AM/ Haryana

Delhi vs Jharkhand, Elite

Group H 9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Tamil Nadu vs Chhattisgarh,

Elite Group H 9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Bihar vs Sikkim, Plate 9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Nagaland vs Arunachal
Pradesh 9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Manipur vs Mizoram 9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Punjab vs Haryana, Elite

Group F 9:30 AM/ Delhi
Rajasthan vs Uttarakhand,
Elite Group E 9:30 AM/ Thiruvananthapuram
Andhra vs Services, Elite

Group E 9:30 AM/ Thiruvananthapuram
Gujarat vs Kerala, Elite Group

A 9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Madhya Pradesh vs
Meghalaya, Elite Group A 9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Bengal vs Hyderabad, Elite

Group B 9:30 AM/ Cuttack
Baroda vs Chandigarh, Elite

Karnataka vs Jammu and

Kashmir, Elite Group C 9:30 AM/ Chennai
Railways vs Puducherry, Elite

Group D 9:30 AM/ Ahmedabad
Saurashtra vs Odisha, Elite


Mumbai vs Goa, Elite Group

D 9:30 AM/ Ahmedabad
March 3-6
Punjab vs Tripura, Elite Group

F 9:30 AM/ Delhi
Himachal Pradesh vs
Haryana, Elite Group F 9:30 AM/ Delhi
Vidarbha vs Assam, Elite

Group G 9:30 AM/ Haryana
Uttar Pradesh vs
Maharashtra, Elite Group G 9:30 AM/ Haryana
Delhi vs Chhattisgarh, Elite

Group H 9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Tamil Nadu vs Jharkhand,

Elite Group H 9:30 AM/ Guwahati
Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh,

Plate 9:30 AM/ Kolkata
Nagaland vs Mizoram, Plate 9:30 AM/ Kolkata

Rajasthan vs Services, Elite
Andhra vs Uttarakhand, Elite

Gujarat vs Meghalaya, Elite

Group A 9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Madhya Pradesh vs Kerala,

Elite Group A 9:30 AM/ Rajkot
Bengal vs Chandigarh, Elite

Bengal vs Chandigarh, Elite

Karnataka vs Puducherry, 9:30 AM/ Chennai

Elite Group C
Railways vs Jammu and

Kashmir, Elite Group C 9:30 AM/ Chennai
Saurashtra vs Goa, Elite

Mumbai vs Odisha, Elite

Manipur vs Sikkim 9:30 AM/ Kolkata

Ranji Trophy 2022 Groups
Groups Teams
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,

Elite Group A
Kerala, Meghalaya
Bengal, Baroda, Hyderabad,
Elite Group B
Chandigarh
Karnataka, Railways,
Elite Group C Jammu & Kashmir,
Pondicherry
Saurashtra, Mumbai,
Elite Group D
Odisha, Goa
Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Elite Group E
Services, Uttarakhand
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh,
Elite Group F
Haryana, Tripura
Vidarbha, Uttar Pradesh,
Elite Group G
Maharashtra, Assam
Delhi, Tamil Nadu,
Elite Group H
Jharkhand, Chattisgarh
Bihar, Nagaland, Manipur,
Plate Mizoram, Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh
Ranji Trophy 2022 Points Table - Teams and Groups
Elite Group A Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Madhya Pradesh 2 2 0 0 0 13 0
Kerala 2 2 0 0 0 13 0
Gujarat 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Meghalaya 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Elite Group B Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR

Bengal 2 2 0 0 0 12 0
Hyderabad 2 1 1 0 0 6 0
Baroda 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Chandigarh 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Elite Group C Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Karnataka 2 1 0 1 0 9 0
Jammu and Kashmir 2 1 1 0 0 6 0
Railways 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Puducherry 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Elite Group D Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Mumbai 2 1 0 1 0 9 0
Saurashtra 2 1 0 1 0 8 0
Odisha 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Goa 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Elite Group E Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Uttarakhand 2 2 0 0 0 12 0
Rajasthan 2 1 1 0 0 6 0
Andhra 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Services 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Elite Group F Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Punjab 2 1 0 1 0 10 0
Himachal Pradesh 2 1 0 1 0 8 0
Haryana 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Tripura 2 0 1 1 0 1 0
Elite Group G Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Maharashtra 2 1 0 1 0 8 0
Uttar Pradesh 2 1 0 1 0 7 0
Vidarbha 2 0 0 2 0 6 0
Assam 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Elite Group H Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Chhattisgarh 2 1 0 1 0 7 0
Jharkhand 2 1 1 0 0 6 0
Tamil Nadu 2 0 0 2 0 6 0
Delhi 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Plate Play Won Lost Draw NR Pts NRR
Nagaland 2 2 0 0 0 13 0
Manipur 2 1 0 1 0 10 0
Bihar 2 0 0 1 0 4 0
Sikkim 2 0 1 1 0 3 0
Mizoram 2 0 0 2 0 2 0
Arunachal Pradesh 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Ranji Trophy 2022 Teams and Squads
Delhi Squad: Pradeep Sangwan, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Shorey, Priyansh Arya, Yash Dhull, Khsitij
Sharma, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Lalit Yadav, Anuj Rawat Wk, Lakshay Thareja wk, Navdeep

Saini, Simarjit Singh, Mayank Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Vikas Mishra, Shivang Vashist, Shivam
Sharma.
Maharashtra Squad: Ankeet Bawane (Captain), Rahul Tripathi (vc), Yash Nahar, Pavan Shah,
Naushad Shaikh, Azim Kazi, Vishant More (wicket-keeper), Satyajeet Bachhav, Avdhoot
Dandekar (wicket-keeper), Taranjitsingh Dhillon, Mukesh Choudhary, Ashay Palkar, Pradeep
Dadhe, Divyang Hinganekar, Yash Kshirsagar, Vishal Gite, Nikit Dhumal, Siddhesh Veer, Manoj
Ingale, Vicky Ostwal, Kaushal Tambe.
Mumbai Squad: Prithvi Shaw (c), Aman Hakim Khan, Armaan Jaffer, Shashank Attarde, Mohit
Avasthi, Royston Dias, Shivam Dube, Aakarshit Gomel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Tanush
Kotian, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shams Mulani, Siddharth Raut, Prashant Solanki, Hardik Tamore,
Aditya Tare, and Arjun Tendulkar.
Haryana Squad: Ankit Kumar, Himanshu Rana, Shubham Rohilla, Rohit Parmod Sharma, Nitesh
Hooda, Nishant Sindhu, Sumit Kumar, Dinesh Bana, Kapil Hooda, Ashok Sandhu, Ravi Balhara,
Ajit Chahal, Anshul Kamboj, Amit Rana, Shivam Chauhan, Jayant Yadav.
Chandigarh Squad: Manan Vohra (c), Arslan Khan, Shivam Bhambri, Harnoor Singh, Sarul
Kanwar, Ankit Kaushik, Gurinder Singh, Arjit Pannu, Jaskaranvir Singh, Raj Bawa, Yuvraj
Choudhary, Shresth Nirmohi, Aman Bharti, Gaurav Gambhir, Gaurav Puri, Jagjit Singh, Amrit
Lubana.
Punjab Squad: Abhijeet Garg, Anmolpreet Singh, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Jiwanjot Singh, Anmol
Malhotra, Mandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Gurnoor Brar, Sanvir Singh,
Abhishek Sharma, Baltej Singh Dhanda, Prabhsinran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Vinay Choudhary,
Prerit Dutta, Siddharth Kaul, Mayank Markande, Ashwani Kumar.
Uttar Pradesh Squad: Kuldeep Yadav (c), Almas Shaukat, Rishabh Bansal, Priyam Garg,
Hardeep Singh, Jasmer Dhankhar, Dhruv Jurel, Aryan Juyal, Madhav Kaushik, Parth Mishra,
Akshdeep Nath, Ankit Rajpoot, Shanu Saini, Samarth Singh, Sameer Choudhary, Karan Sharma,
Shivam Mavi, Shivam Sharma, Rinku Singh, Yash Dayal, and Zeeshan Ansari.
Himachal Pradesh Squad: Nikhil Gangta, Ankit Kalsi, Praveen Thakur, Ekant Sen, Nitin Sharma,
Abhimanyu Rana, Rishi Dhawan, Pankaj Jaiswal, Raghav Dhawan, Ankush Bains, Prashant
Chopra, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Dagar, Vinay Guletiya, Arpit Guleria, Gurvinder Singh, Akash
Vashisht, Shubham Arora, Sidharth Sharma.

Uttarakhand Squad: Jay Bista (c), Dikshanshu Negi, Avneesh Sudha, Himanshu Bisht, Robin
Bist, Kunal Chandela, Deepak Dhopala, Kamal Singh, Nikhil Kohli, Akash Madhwal, Mayank
Mishra, Deepesh Nainwal, Dipankar Ramola, Saurabh Rawat, Arya Sethi, Shivam Khurana,
Swapnil Singh, Tanush Gusain, Agrim Tiwari.
Jammu & Kashmir Squad: Ian Dev Singh (c), Abdul Samad, Abid Mushtaq, Auqib Nabi, Akash
Choudhary, Ram Dayal, Fazil Rashid, Henan Nazir, Mujtaba Yousuf, Parvez Rasool, Shubham
Pundir, Qamran Iqbal, Suryansh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Sahil Lotra, Shivansh Sharma, Taizeem
Tak, Umar Nazir Mir, Umran Malik, Jatin Wadhwan, Yudhvir Singh.
Baroda Squad: Kedar Dhevdhar, Vishnu Solanki, Pratyush Kumar, Shivalik Sharma, Krunal
Pandya, Abhimanyusingh Rajput, Dhruv Patel, Mitesh Patel, Lukman Meriwala, Babasafikhan
Pathan (wk), Atit Sheth, Bhargav Bhatt, Parth Kohli, Shashwat Rawat, Soyeb Sopariya, Kartik
Kakade, Gurjindersingh Mann, Jyotsnil Singh, Ninad Rathwa, and Akshay More.
Saurashtra Squad: Jaydev Unadkat (c), Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada,
Chirag Jani, Kamlesh Makwana, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Chetan Sakariya, Prerak Mankad,
Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Harvik Desai, Kevin Jivrajani, Kushang Patel, Jay Chauhan, Samarth Vyas,
Parthkumar Bhut, Yuvrajsinh Chudasama, Devang Karamta, Snell Patel, Kishan Parmar, and
Aditya Jadeja.
Vidarbha Squad: Faiz Fazal (c), Akshay Wadkar (vc), Ganesh Bhosle, Ganesh Satish, Praful
Hinge, Mohit Kale, Akshay Karnewar, Lalit Yadav, Siddhesh Neral, Yash Rathod, Sanjay
Raghunath, Aditya Sarwate, Atharva Taide, Aditya Thakare, Akshay Wakhare, Apoorv
Wankhade, Siddhesh Wath, and Yash Thakur.
Gujarat Squad: Bhargav Merai (c), Het Patel (vc), Rujul Bhatt, Saurav Chauhan, Piyush Chawla,
Siddharth Desai, Chintan Gaja, Manan Hingrajia, Manprit Juneja, Roosh Kalaria, Umang Kumar,
Jayveer Parmar, Kathan Patel, Tejas Patel, Karan Patel, Priyesh Patel, Abhinav Tandel, and
Parth Vaghani.
Rajasthan Squad: Ashok Menaria (c), Mahipal Lomror, Khaleel Ahmed, Anirudh Singh, Anirudh
Singh, Rajesh Bishnoi, Aniket Choudhary, Chandrapal Singh, Aditya Garhwal, Deepak Hooda,
Mohit Jain, Deepak Karwasara, Yash Kothari, Abhimanyu Lamba, Menender Singh, Kamlesh
Nagarkoti, Samarpit Joshi, Shubham Sharma, Rituraj Singh, Manav Suthar, Tanverr Ul-Haq.
Madhya Pradesh Squad: Aditya Shrivastava (c), Rajat Patidar, Anubhav Agarwal, Akshat

Raghuwanshi, Arshad Khan, Puneet Datey, Yash Dubey, Gaurav Yadav, Mihir Hirwani, Saransh
Jain, Kumar Kartikeya, Himanshu Mantri, Ishwar Pandey, Rameez Khan, Ajay Rohera, Parth
Sahani, Kuldeep Sen, Shumham Sharma, Rakesh Thakur, Prithviraj Singh Tomar, Avesh Khan,
Venkatesh Iyer.
Andhra Pradesh Squad: Striker Bharat (c), S Ashish, Ashwin Hebbar, Bandaru Ayyappa, Ricky
Bhui, Uppara Girinath, Girinath Reddy, CR Gnaneshwar, Karan Shinde, Maheep Kumar, Manish
Golamaru, Mohammad Rafi, Naren Reddy, Prithvi Raj, Yash Sandeep, KV Sasikanth,
Cheepurapalli Stephen, Pinninti Tapaswi, Thanneru Vamsi Krishna, Ahitesh Varma, and
Tripurana Vijay.
Hyderabad Squad: Tanmay Agarwal (c), Tilak Varma, Alankrit Agarwal, Jaweed Ali, Kartikeya
Kak, Akshath Reddy, Rohit Rayudu, Chandan Sahani, Adul Ela Ali Quraisi, Rahul Buddhi,
Hanuma Vihari, Tanay Thyagarajan, Prateek Reddy, Himalay Agarwal, Mehdi Hassan, Mickil
Jaiswal, Chama V Milind, Chinntla Rakshann Readdi, Telukupalli Ravi Teja, PS Chaitanya Reddy.
Kerala Squad: Sachin Baby (c), Vishnu Vinod (wk), Anand Krishnan, Rohan Kunnumel Vatsal
Govind, Rahul P, Salman Nizar, Sanju Samson, Jalaj Saxena, Sijo Mon Joseph, Akshay K C,
Mithun, Basil NP, Nideesh M D, Manu Krishnan, Basil Thampi Fanoos F, Sreeshanth S, Akshay
Chandran, Varun Nayanar K), Anand Jospeh Vinoop Manoharan, Arun M, Vaishak Chandran.
Karnataka Squad: Manish Pandey (c), Samarth, Mayank, Karun Nair, Padikkal, Siddharth KV,
Nischal, Aneeshwar Gautam, Shubhang, Gowtham, Gopal, Suchith, Cariappa, Sharath Srinivas,
Sharath BR, Prasidh Krishna, Ronit Mor, Venkatesh M, Vyshak, Vidyadhar Patil.
Goa Squad: Snehal Suhas Kauthankar (c), Sumiran Amonkar, Amogh Sunil Desai, Prathamesh
Gawas, Aditya Kaushik, Darshan Misal, Suyash Prabhudessai, Shubham Ranjane, Amit Yadav,
Shrikant Wagh, Samar Shravan Dubhashi, Eknath Kerkar, Felix Alemao, Harshad Hanumant
Gadekar, Lakshay Garg, Amulya Pandrekar, Vishambar Kahlon, Heramb Parab, Vijesh
Prabhudessai, Malliksab Sirur.
Tamil Nadu Squad: Vijay Shankar (c), Washington Sundar (vc), Baba Aparajith, Aswin Crist,
Kaushik Gandhi, Ganga Sridhar Raju, Baba Indrajith, Narayan Jagadeesan, R Kavin, M
Mohammed, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Sai Sudharsan, Sandeep Warrier,
P Saravana Kumar, Shahrukh Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Ragupathy Silambarasan, Laxmesha
Suryaprakash, and Lakshminarayanan Vignesh.

Chattisgarh Squad: Harpreet Singh Bhatia (c), Ashutosh Singh, Akhil Herwadkar, Amandeep
Khare, Shashank Singh, Anuj Tiwary, Shubham Agarwal, Lavin Coster, Ajay Jadav Mandal,
Pankaj Kumar Rao, Veer Pratap Singh, Ravi Kiran, Sumit Rulkar, Shakeeb Ahmed, Sanjeet
Desai, Sanindhya Hurkat, Sourabh Majumdar, Shahbaz Hussain, Vishvas Malik.
Jharkhand Squad: Saurabh Tiwary (c), Virat Singh, Kumar Deobrat, Kumar Suraj, Anukul Roy,
Kumar Kushagra, Nazim Siddiqui, Ashish Kumar, Manishi, Sushant Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem,
Utkarsh Singh, Bal Krishna, Pankaj Kishor Kumar, Sahil Raj, Vikash Vishal.
Bihar Squad: Babul Kumar, Mangal Mahrour, Yashasvi Rishav, Ashutosh Aman, Bipin Saurabh,
Nikhil Anand, Lakhan Raja, Pratyush Singh, Sachin Kumar, Abhijeet Saket, Sakibul Gani, Rishav
Raj, Malay Raj, Harsh Singh.
Bengal Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Abishek Porel, Akash Deep, Writtick Chatterjee, Sudip
Chatterjee, Nilkantha Das, Abhishek Das, Sudip Kumar Gharami, Habib Gandhi, Karan Lal,
Anustup Majumdar, Sayan Mondal, Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel, Pradipta Pramanik, Geet Puri,
Abhishek Raman, Ritwik Roy Chowdhury, Kazi Saifi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Manoj Tiwary.
Mizoram Squad: Taruwar Kohli (c), Bobby Zothansanga (vc), Abhay, Iqbal Abdulla, Uday Kaul,
Lalmangaiha, Lalhruaizela, Reuben Lalhruaizela, B Lalnunfela, Lalnunkima Varte, Michael
Lalremkima, Joseph Lalthankhuma, Parvez Ahmed, Rosiamliana Ralte, Remruatdika Ralte, Sumit
Lama, Andrew Vanlalhruaia, K Vanlalruata, and Vikash Kumar.
Sikkim Squad: Akash Luitel, Ankur Malik, Nitesh Gupta, Codanda Ajit Karthik, Kranthi Kumar,
Nilesh Lamichaney, Lee Yong Lepcha, Liyan Khan, Rajiv Malay, Md Saptulla, Nasun Tamang,
Rahul Tamang, Pankaj Kumar Rawat, Anwesh Sharma, Sumit Singh, Chitiz Tamang, Palzor
Tamang, and Ashish Thapa.
Manipur Squad: Samson Singh, Sheiteendra Singh, Kishan Thokchom, Nirisingh Yadav, Kishan
Singha, Bishworjit Konthoujam, Nitesh Sedai, Ajay Lamabam Singh, Rex Singh, Sultan Karim, Al
Bashid Muhammed, Johnson Singh, Langlonyamba Keishangbam, Thomas Moirangthem,
Prafullomani Singh, Bonny Chingangbam, Bimol Singh, Kangabam Priyojit Singh, Thokchom
Santosh.
Nagaland Squad: Rongsen Jonathan, Mungkham Phom, Sedezhalie Rupero, Hokaito Zhimomi,
Imliwati Lemtur, Shrikant Mundhe, Chetan Bist, Temjentoshi Jamir, Abu Nechim, Tahmeed
Rahman, Chopise Hopongkyu, Khrievitso Kense, Nzanthung Mozhui, Magaho Chisthi.

Assam Squad: Pallavkumar Das, Rishav Das, Riyan Parag, Gokul Sharma, Swarupam
Purkayastha, Kunal Saikai (c), Hrishikesh Tamuli, Roshan Alam, Pritam Das, Denish Das, Arup
Das, Amlanjyoti Paresh Das, Saahil Jain, Ranjit Mali, Subham Mandal, Mukhtar Hussain, Sidharth
Sarmah.
Puducherry Squad: Gonnabattula Chiranjeevi, Damodaren Rohit, Paras Dogra, Pavan

Deshpande, Madhavan Manohar, A Aravinddaraj, Suboth Bhati, Fabid Ahmed, Gurvinder Singh,
Neyan Shyam Kangayan, Astish Rajiv, Sagar Trivedi, Sagar Udeshi. Arvind Kothandapani,
Karthikeyan Jayasundaram, Premraj Rajavelu, R Ragupathy, Raghu Sharma, Vengadeshwaran.
Odisha Squad: Subhranshu Senapati (c), Sandeep Pattnaik, Shantanu Mishra, Govinda Poddar,
Debabrata Pradhan, Ashish Rai, Abhishek Raut, Anurag Sarangi, Basant Mohanty, Anshuman
Rath, Rajesh Dhuper, Sujit Lenka, Jayanta Behera, Subham Nayak, Pappu Roy, Rajesh
Mohanty, Rakesh Pattnaik, Debasis Samantray, Tarani Sa.
Arunachal Pradesh Squad: Neelam Obi (c), Suraj Tayam, Rajesh Bishnoi, Techi Doria, Indiya
Toku, Techi Kagung, Rakesh Kumar, Techi Neri, Kumar Nyompu, Momar Ori, Manvan Patel,
Akhilesh Sahani, Nazeeb Saiyed, Song Tacho, Nabam Tatang, Licha Tehi, Yab Niya, Kamsha
Yangfo.
Meghalaya Squad: Punit Bisht, Aryan Bora, Anish Charak, Akash Choudhary, Nicky Dann, Ram
Gurung, Himan Phukan, Chirag Khurana, Kishan Lyngdoh, Shaisngi Lyngdoh, Purajit Mandal,
Kilco Marak, Morningstar Khongwir, Wanlambok Nongkhlaw, Wellmanson Passah, Prolin
Phanjom, Dwaraka Ravi Teja, Dippu Sangma, Tengchan Sangma, Chengkam Sangma,
Pringsang Sangma, Larry Sangma, Bamanbha Shangpliang, Nafees Siddique.
Tripura Squad: KB Pawan (c), Rajat Dey, Amit Ali, Saurabh Das, Bikramkumar Das, Dipayan
Debbarma, Subham Ghosh, Bishal Ghosh, Samit Gohel, Sanjay Majumdar, Manisankar
Murasingh, Chiranjit Paul, Sankar Paul, Rana Dutta, Ajoy Sarkar, Nirupam Sen, Nirupam Sen
Choudhary, Rahil Shah, Samrat Singha, Ashsih Yadav.
Railways Squad: Avinash Yadav (c), Shubham Choubey, Shivam Chaudhary, Mrunal Devdhar,
Arindam Ghosh, Amit Mishra, Mohammad Saif, Akshat Pandey, Akash Pandey, Pratham Singh,
Vikrant Rajput, Ananta Saha, Himanshu Sangwan, Saurabh Singh, Karn Sharma, Karan Thakur,
Vivek Singh, Upendra Yadav, Yuvraj Singh.
Services Squad: Anshul Gupta, Devender Lohchab, Mumtaz Qadir, Ravi Chauhan, Shubham

Rohilla, Hardik Rajeev Sethi, Shamsher Yadav, Vikash Yadav, Irfan Khan, Rajat Paliwal, Mohit
Ahlawat, Arun Bamal, Koteshwar Rao, Pulkit Narang, Sachidanand Pandey, Diwesh Pathania,
Poonam Poonia, Arjun Sharma, Nitin Yadav, Sagar Sharma, Shivam Tiwari, Rahul Singh, Rahul
Singh.
Ranji Trophy 2022 Live Streaming Details
Ranji Trophy began on February 17, 2022. The matches will be played at 9 am. The Ranji Trophy
live streaming will be available on Star Sports and Hotstar for a few selected matches.
Background
Ranji Trophy 2022 was originally scheduled to start on January 13 but it had to be postponed
indefinitely because of rising Covid-19 cases in India.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed on January 27 that the board has decided to host the Ranji
Trophy in two phases. The BCCI Secretary said that the recovery rates from the third wave of the
pandemic were encouraging, but the board will continue to have biosecure bubbles for the
tournament to mitigate any risks.
The competition is called Ranji as it is named after the first Indian who played International
cricket, Ranjit Singh Ji, who was known as ‘Ranji’.

INS Visakhapatnam test-fires BrahMos

supersonic cruise missile
Indian Naval warship INS Visakhapatnam test-fired naval variant of BrahMos supersonic
cruise missile off the western seaboard on February 18, 2022.
The warship has now reached Visakhapatnam to participate in the President's Fleet Review on
February 21, 2022.
INS Visakhapatnam is the Indian Navy’s newest indigenously built stealth guided-missile
destroyer.
#WATCH | Indian Navy’s warship INS Visakhapatnam carried out a test firing of BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile off the western seaboard. The warship has now reached
Visakhapatnam to take part in President’s Fleet Review on February 21
pic.twitter.com/qsYUi1QHgf

BrahMos Supersonic Missile
BrahMos missile system is the main weapon system of the Indian Navy warships. It has been
deployed on almost all of its surface platforms.
An underwater version is also being developed that will be used by the submarines of India.
The underwater version of the missile system will also be offered for export to friendly foreign
nations.
Read more: India successfully test-fires new version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise
Missile
BrahMos Missile Tests
• India had successfully test-fired a new version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile off the
coast of Odisha on January 20, 2022.
• Prior to that, the Indian Navy had successfully test-fired BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
from INS Vishakhapatnam warship on January 11, 2022. The missile had hit the target with

pinpoint accuracy.
• Before this, India had test-fired an air version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile on
December 8, 2021. The missile test was carried out from the integrated test range of
Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
• The Indian Air Force had also successfully test-fired an air version of BrahMos supersonic
cruise missile from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft on October 30, 2020. The IAF is integrating the
BrahMos missile on over 40 Sukhoi fighter jets.
Read more: INS Vishakhapatnam test fires BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Background
The BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile is a multi-platform missile that can be launched from
different platforms including ground, air and sea. It has been deployed in all three arms of the
Indian Armed Forces- Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
The Brahmos supersonic cruise missile is produced by BrahMos Aerospace which is a joint
venture between India and Russia.
The missiles have been deployed by India at strategic locations along India's border with China in
Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.


2022
National News
• PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan to hold virtual
summit today.
• Indian syringe makers asked to hold up stock of syringes by two months amid a decline in the
number of COVID-19 cases and slowdown in vaccination drive.
• Indian Navy test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile off western seaboard on February 18.
• PM Modi to dedicate to the nation railway lines connecting Thane and Diva.
• Firozabad glass bangle' industry struggles to recover post-COVID.
• KL Rahul, Virat Kohli retain their 4th and 10th spot respectively in ICC T20 Men's Batting
Rankings.
Environment News
• Sea levels along US coastlines to rise 10-12 inches by 2050, as per a new inter-agency report.
• An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 occurred 92km northwest of Jaipur, Rajasthan at around 8.01
am today.
• Fire breaks out on cruise ship carrying 237 passengers, report Greek port police.
International News
• Six African countries to establish mRNA vaccine production, informed WHO Director-General,
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
• Ukrainian Ambassador to UN Kyslytsya warns Russia of 'consolidated' response by the

international community.

• US Secy of Defense Lloyd J Austin III arrives in Poland amid high tensions with Russia.
• The UK closes Tier 1 Investor visa route to all new applicants from all nationalities with
immediate effect over security concerns.
• US says secretary of state Antony J Blinken, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to meet
next week if no Ukraine invasion.
• South Korea imposes crowd limits amid 25-fold spike in COVID-19 cases due to Omicron
variant.
• California first US state to adopt an endemic virus policy for the COVID pandemic.
• US says nuclear deal with Iran possible within days if the country 'shows seriousness'.
• Libyans marked 11 years since the revolt that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi on February
17th.
• Israel PM announces that vaccine 'green pass' will end soon.
• World 'better prepared' to deal with future variants of Coronavirus, as per CEO and co-founder
of German vaccine-maker.
• Belarus says could host nuclear weapons if it faces Western threat.
• France announces withdrawal of troops from Mali due to a breakdown in relations with the
country's ruling junta, after nearly 10 years of fighting a jihadist insurgency.

Centre resumes biometric system for

employees, stops work from home
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an office memorandum on February
16, 2022 ordering stopping of work from home system for central government employees and
resumption of biometric system for office attendance.
This will apply to every employee working in the Central government's ministries and
departments. The DoPT said while referring to the earlier office memorandum on January 31,
2022, "Since the period of suspension of biometric attendance is over on 15.02.2022, all the
officers, officials working in this Department are required to mark their attendance in the Aadhaar
Enabled Biometric Attendance Control System (AEBAS) with effect from February 16, 2022."
All officials will be required to follow preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19
while marking their attendance in the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance Control System.
COVID-19 restrictions lifted
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension had directed all the Central Ministries
and Departments to cut down office attendance to 50 percent amid the third wave of COVID-19
caused due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Since then, all central government ministries and departments were functioning with 50 percent
staff and the rest were working from home.
With the latest change in guidelines, now all central government employees will be required to
report to office on a daily basis taking all precautionary measures.
All officers and staff will be required to ensure strict compliance of Covid-appropriate behaviour
such as frequent washing of hands, wearing of face mask, sanitisation, face cover and observing
social distancing at all times.
No exemptions
Earlier, the differently-abled employees and pregnant women employees were exempted from
attending office. Now, all employees will be required to attend the office physically.

Ratan Tata awarded Assam's highest state

civilian award Asom Baibhav
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma conferred the state's highest civilian award
"Assam Baibhav" upon eminent Indian industrialist Ratan Tata on February 16, 2022 at a
function held in Taj Wellington Mews in Koloba, Mumbai.
The state government conferred the Assam Baibhav award 2021 to Ratan Tata for "his
exceptional contribution towards furthering cancer care in Assam".
The Tata Trust Chairman could not attend the official award ceremony held previously on January
24th at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra in Guwahati due to personal reasons. Assam Governor
Jagdish Mukhi had conferred the state's three highest civilian awards to 18 other distinguished
personalities in different fields during the ceremony.
The Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma came to Mumbai to honour Ratan Tata with the award. He
tweeted saying, "Had the privilege to honour Tata Trusts Chairman Shri Ratan Naval Tata
with ‘Assam Baibhav’, our State’s highest civilian award,at Mumbai today. The visionary
industrialist & philanthropist has made exceptional contribution towards furthering cancer
care in Assam."
Had the privilege to honour @tatatrusts Chairman Shri Ratan Naval Tata with ‘Assam Baibhav’,
our State’s highest civilian award,at Mumbai today.
The visionary industrialist & philanthropist has made exceptional contribution towards furthering
cancer care in Assam.@RNTata2000 pic.twitter.com/dwDlXyEtvq
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 16, 2022
He further added saying, "Tata Sons & Assam govt are building a big cancer care network
together, in which Ratan Tata has a big contribution. So I came to Mumbai to bestow upon
the highest Assam civilian award to Ratan Tata."
Tata Sons & Assam govt are building a big cancer care network together, in which Ratan Tata
has a big contribution. So I came to Mumbai to bestow upon the highest Assam civilian award to
Ratan Tata: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pic.twitter.com/5zdUlxe7a4


Assam Baibhav Award
• The 'Assam Baibhav' award carries a medal, a citation and a cash amount worth Rs 5 lakh. The
award is the highest civilian award of the state.
• Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had officially declared the award on the occasion
of Assam Day or "Asom diwas" on December 2, 2021. So this was the first-ever conferral of the
award.
• The recipient of the award can also avail medical treatment throughout his life at the state
government's expense.
• Rata Tata was honoured for his contribution in setting up cancer treatment facilities in the state.
• Tata Trusts had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam government in
2018 to deliver comprehensive cancer care and ensure affordable quality cancer treatment to the
cancer patients in the state.

Centre asks all states, UTs to end additional

COVID-19 restrictions
The Central government asked all the states and union territories on February 16, 20221 to
review, amend or end additional COVID-19 restrictions in view of the decline in overall COVID-19
cases in the country.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan sent a letter to all state health secretaries, saying, "The
COVID-19 pandemic in India is showing a sustained declining trend since January 21, 2022. The
average daily cases during last week were 50,476."
The Health Secretary noted that the present case trajectory shows a sustained downward trend of
COVID cases across the nation. he said in the letter it will be useful if states/UTs review do away
with the additional restrictions after considering the trend of new cases, active cases and positivity
within the State/UT.
India reported 30,757 new cases, 67,538 recoveries and 541 deaths in the last 24 hours. The
daily case positivity has declined to 2.61 percent.
Why has the centre asked the states to remove additional COVID-19 restrictions?
The Union Health Secretary informed that the centre is changing the existing guidelines and
aiming to reduce restrictions in line with the "changing epidemiology of the COVID-19 virus
globally."
The Health Secretary further asked the state governments to relax restrictions at their borders
and airports to enable smooth movement of people and economy.
He further asked all the states and union territories to continue monitoring the trajectory of cases
on a daily basis and follow the five-fold strategy of test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to
COVID-appropriate behaviour.
India revises International Travel Guidelines
India has also revised its international travel guidelines since February 10, 2022, removing the
earlier tagging of at-risk nations.

The centre has also removed the mandatory 7-day quarantine guidelines for international arrivals
in India.
The latest guidelines also remove the requirement of a mandatory RT-PCR report (taken 72 hrs
before journey) if the travelers have their full vaccination certificate.

Google Doodle pays tribute to Michiaki

Takahashi- World's First Chickenpox Vaccine
Developer
Michiaki Takahashi Google Doodle: Google Doodle commemorated the 94th birth
anniversary of Japanese virologist Dr Michiaki Takahashi on February 17, 2022. Takahashi
developed the world's first vaccine against chickenpox.
The Google Doodle is illustrated by Japan-based guest artist Tatsuro Kiuchi. The Google Doodle
shows Takahashi at work, using a microscope for his study and putting a band-aid on a child’s
arm.
Today's #GoogleDoodle celebrates Japanese virologist Dr. Michiaki Takahashi
After his son suffered a severe case of chickenpox, Dr. Takahashi developed the 1st chickenpox
vaccine—which today helps prevent millions of cases a year!
@tatsurokiuchi https://t.co/F4LlD6THUZ pic.twitter.com/pcOMbf7xBJ
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) February 17, 2022

About Michiaki Takahashi
• Michiaki Takahashi was born on February 17, 1928 in Osaka, Japan.
• He got his medical degree from Osaka University. He later got the opportunity to work as a
researcher at the Research Institute for Microbial Disease at Osaka University in 1959. He
studied polio viruses and measles at the institute.
• He later got a research fellowship at Baylor College in the United States in 1963.
• His son developed a serious bout of chickenpox while he was away.
• This led Takahashi to turn his expertise towards effectively combatting the highly transmissible
and infectious disease upon his return to Japan in 1965.

• He developed the world's first chickenpox vaccine named "Oka" in early 1974. The lifesaving
vaccine has been utilized in over 80 countries over the years and has been administered to
millions of children around the world.
• Takahashi was appointed as the director of the Microbial Disease Study Group at Osaka
University in 1994.
• He held the position until his retirement. He passed away in Osaka on December 16, 2013 after
suffering a cardiac arrest.
World's first Chickenpox vaccine
Michiaki Takahashi cultured live but weakened chickenpox viruses in animal and human tissue
to make the world's first chickenpox vaccine. Within five years of development, the vaccine was
ready for clinical trials.
Takahashi developed the world's first vaccine targeting the varicella virus that causes
chickenpox. The vaccine was subjected to rigorous research and was proven to be extremely
effective.
The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases began the rollout of the vaccine in 1986 as
the only varicella vaccine approved by the World Health Organization.
The vaccine helped prevent millions of chickenpox cases every year.

Malayalam actor Kottayam Pradeep passes

away at 61: Know about his most memorable
roles
Popular Malayalam actor and comedian Kottayam Pradeep passed away on February 17,
2022 after suffering a heart attack. He was 61.
The actor was hospitalised due to discomfort and later passed away due to a heart attack. He is
survived by his wife and two children.
In his over two-decade acting career, Kottayam Pradeep acted in several Malayalam and Tamil
movies and received a lot of praise for bringing the humor in the films.
The actor's sudden passing away has sent shockwaves across the Malayalam film industry.
Fellow actor Prithviraj Sukumaran confirmed the actor's demise and paid his condolences through
a Twitter post that read, “Rest in peace, Kottayam Pradeep!”
Rest in peace! #KottayamPradeep pic.twitter.com/zUHU2GflqH
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) February 17, 2022
Director John Mahendran also expressed his shock after hearing the unfortunate news and
shared a post, in which he wrote, "A very natural actor #Pradeepkottayam from Malayalam movie
industry passes away."
A very natural actor #Pradeepkottayam from Malayalam movie industry passes away.
pic.twitter.com/GPFix5DvlL
— John Mahendran (@Johnroshan) February 17, 2022

Kottayam Pradeep
• Kottayam Pradeep began his career in films in 2001 with the IV Sasi movie ‘Ee Nadu Enale
Vare’ at the age of 40 years.
• He acted in over 70 movies in his over two-decade acting career with most of his roles being
comedy.

• During his initial years in the film industry, he worked as a junior artist with mainly uncredited
and non-speaking roles.
• He appeared in several films then including Rajamanikyam and 2 Harihar Nagar as a bystander
in crowd scenes.
• He got a breakthrough with Gautham Vasudev Menon's hit film 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa', in
which he played the role of the uncle of actor Trisha Krishnan's character.
• Some of his best works included in films such as Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Life of Josutty, Amar
Akbar Antony, Thattathin Marayathu, Welcome to Central Jail, Life of Josutty, Kattappanayile
Rithwik Roshan, Kunjiramayanam, Adi Kapyare Kootamani and Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu.
• He was known for his special style of rendering dialogues. He mostly played comedy,
supporting and cameo roles. He was popularly known by the name of Kottayam Pradeep.
• He won the Best Supporting Actor award for various roles at the 2nd Asianet Comedy Awards
in 2016.
• His last onscreen appearance will be in the upcoming film, Aaraattu, which stars Mohanlal
and is directed by B. Unnikrishnan.


2022
National News
Centre asks states, UTs to end additional COVID-19 restrictions amid decline in COVID cases.
Delhi University reopens after nearly two years for all the undergraduate and postgraduate
courses.
Pulwama declared as best performing district in Kashmir valley under District Good Governance
Index.
Earthquake of magnitude 3.5 occurred at around 3.02 am about 84 km east of Katra in Jammu
and Kashmir, as per National Center for Seismology.
India, Germany sign Work Plan 2022 to reduce trade barrier and strengthen infrastructure.
India best West Indies by 6 wickets in first T20 played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
SC Collegium approves proposal for appointment of judges in High Courts.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma presents state’s highest civilian award Asom Baibhav to Ratan
Tata.
Central Govt nominates Sanjay Malhotra as Director on the Central Board of Reserve Bank of
India.
PM Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan will hold
a virtual summit on February 18.
Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor granted bail by Mumbai’s Special PMLA Court in an alleged
fraud case of over Rs 300 crores.
Former Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar appointed as the first National Maritime
Security Coordinator in the National Security Council Secretariat.

Kasi Reddy VRN Reddy was given full additional charge of Director General of Police (Head of
the Police Forces) in Andhra Pradesh.
International News
Russia announces end of Crimea military drills, says troops are leaving.
Ukraine leader says no evidence of Russian troop withdrawal.
First international flight lands in Bali in nearly two years.
The death toll from devastating flash floods and landslides in Brazilian city of Petropolis rises to at
least 78.
Former tennis world number one Andy Murray crashes to one of the heaviest defeats (6-0, 6-1)
against Spain's Roberto Bautista at Qatar Open.
Spanish semi-autobiographical movie 'Alcarras' wins top prize at 72nd Berlin film festival.
France is expected to announce withdrawal of its troops from Mali after nearly 10 years fighting a
jihadist insurgency.
The last speaker of Chile's indigenous Yaghan language has died at 93.
Germany begins lifting Covid curbs as infection rates fall.
Spain in mourning after worst fishing tragedy in almost 40 years, following the sinking of a fishing
trawler with 24 person crew east of Newfoundland. Only three people pulled out alive.
UK police launches probe into Prince Charles's charitable foundation over claims of a cash-for-
honours scandal involving a Saudi businessman.
Google plans to limit ad tracking on its Android operating system.
Burkina junta chief Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba inaugurated as President,

three weeks after a coup toppled elected head of state Roch Marc Christian Kabore.
Vietnam to re-open for international tourists on March 15 after two-years of border closure due to
the pandemic.

Lassa Fever cases detected in UK, Know

Symptoms, Severity, Treatment and History
Lassa Fever: A new virus called Lassa fever has started causing worry in the United
Kingdom, after it was detected in three people, out of whom one died from the infection.
The patient who died of Lassa fever was a newborn, who passed away at the Luton and
Dunstable Hospital in Bedfordshire. The three cases have been confirmed to be from the same
family in the east of England. The family has recent travel history to West Africa.
UK's health officials said that the virus has pandemic potential. This is the first case of the disease
in the United Kingdom since 2009. Overall, eight cases of Lassa fever have been reported in the
UK since the 1980s, with the last two being reported in 2009.
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is an animal-borne, acute viral infection that is prevalent in parts of Africa. It is a rare,
hemorrhagic fever that causes serious infection. It is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the
arenavirus family of viruses.
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease, which means that humans can become infected from contact
with infected animals. The animal host of the Lassa virus is a rodent of the genus Mastomys,
commonly known as “multimammate rat."
Lassa Fever Symptoms
• Lassa fever has similar symptoms as malaria and Ebola. The symptoms become visible
generally 1-3 weeks after catching the virus. The incubation period of the fever is 6-21 days.
• The virus generally has flu-like symptoms including cough, headache, sore throat and fever.
The other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• The more serious cases experience breathing issues, facial swelling, fluid in the lung cavity,
chest pain, muscle pain, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, oral, nasal and vaginal bleeding.
• There are also some reports of cases with permanent hearing loss after Lassa infection.

Lassa Fever Transmission
Lassa Fever is reportedly transmitted when humans come in contact with the urine, saliva and
excreta of infected rats. The mastomy rats infected with the Lassa virus do not become ill
themselves but shed the virus through their excretions.
People can also get infected by the virus from exposure to food or any other item that has been
contaminated by infected rats.
The virus can also be spread from one person to another through direct contact with bodily fluids
such as blood and other secretions. The virus transmission can occur both in community and
health care settings through contaminated medical equipment.
Is the Lassa virus airborne?
There is no evidence of airborne transmission of the virus between humans.
Lassa Fever severity
• Lassa fever has been classified as having pandemic potential. WHO has listed the virus in its
priority pathogen category along with Ebola and dengue. As per experts, the virus is unlikely to
spread like COVID-19.
• The death rate of Lassa fever is low, around one percent, as per reports. According to the UK
health agency, most people with Lassa fever will make a full recovery.
• However, severe illness can occur in some individuals, especially among those who are
vulnerable such as women in the advanced pregnancy stage.
• The severe cases may require hospitalisation and about 15 percent of the hospitalised patients
may die, as per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
• The deaths due to Lassa fever are usually caused by multi-organ failure. Early care improves
the chance of survival.
Which countries have reported cases of Lassa fever?
Lasa fever is considered an endemic in Guinea, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone and
Nigeria. The cases of the infection are rare in the United Kingdom and it does not spread between

people easily.
Lassa Fever Treatment
There is no effective treatment of Lassa Fever as of now. Two vaccines are currently undergoing
Phase-1 trial, one of which went into human trials last year.
One antiviral drug, Ribavirin, is being considered as an effective treatment for Lassa Fever if
given early.
The drug has been used with success in Lassa fever patients and has shown to be most effective
when given early in the course of the illness.
History of Lassa fever
• The Lassa fever was first discovered in Lassa, Borno State, Nigeria in 1969. The virus
infection is named after the town in Nigeria where the first cases were detected.
• Approximately 100,000 to 300,000 Lassa virus infections occur annually in Western Africa,
with an average death count of 5,000.
• Almost 80 percent of the cases are found to be asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed.
Besides Nigeria, cases of Lassa fever are commonly seen in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
• Recently, some cases of Lassa fever were reported in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The
World Health Organisation informed that around 211 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lassa fever
were reported in Nigeria between January 3-30, 2022, which included 40 deaths.

BWF Asia Team Championships 2022: India

Schedule, Points Table, Groups, Teams,
Players, Live Streaming
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022: The Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022
started on February 15, 2022 at Shah Alam, Malaysia. The championship will continue till
February 20th.
The Indian men's badminton team is being led by young Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen in the
absence of senior player Kidambi Srikanth, while the Indian women's badminton team is being led
by Malvika Bansod in the absence of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
The continental tournament will act as qualifiers for the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, which are
scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand in May 2022.
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 Result- Men's Group A match against South
Korea
The Indian men’s team went down 5-0 in their opening Group A match against South Korea on
February 15th. World no. 13 Lakshya Sen himself lost 11-21 19-21 to Jeon Hyeok Jin in 42
minutes.
The doubles pair of Ravikrishna PS and Sankar Prasad Udayakumar also lost 8-21 10-21 defeat
against Hwi Tae Kim and Kim Jaehwan. The only men's Indian team player who managed to win
a match was Mithun Manjunath who won the first game in the fifth and final match but eventually
lost the match 21-16, 25-27, 21-14 against Min Sun Jeong.
The Indian men's team will now face Hong Kong on Thursday. India is currently placed at the
bottom of Group A with South Korea leading the points table. India will now have to win their
remaining Group A games against Hong Kong and defending champions Indonesia to stay in the
race for the semi-finals.
The Indian women's badminton team began their campaign today with their opening game
against Malaysia. Syed Modi finalist Malvika Bansod, along with Aakarshi Kashyap and
Ashmita Chaliha will be leading India's campaign.

India vs Malaysia- Women's team clash on February 16, 2022
Time: 1.30 pm IST
Matches
Aakarshi vs K Selvaduray
Khushi Gupta & Mehreen Riza vs Valeree Siow & Pearly Tan
Ashmita Chaliha vs Siti Nurshuhaini
Arul Bala & Nila V vs Anna Ching Yik & Teoh Mei Zing
Tara Shah vs Myisha Mohd K
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 India Teams
Indian men's singles squad
Lakshya Sen
Mithun Manjunath
Kiran George
Raghu Mariswamy
Indian men's doubles squad
PS Ravikrishna/Sankar Prasad Udayakumar
Amsakarunan Hariharan/Ruban Kumar
Dingku Singh Konthoujam/Manjit Singh Khwairakpam
(2/3) pic.twitter.com/IssJw5WCXF
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) February 15, 2022
Indian women's singles squad

Malvika Bansod
Aakarshi Kashyap
Ashmita Chaliha
Tara Shah
Indian women's doubles squad
Simran Singhi/Khushi Gupta
Nila Valluvan/Arul Bala Radhakrishnan
Arathi Sara Sunil/Riza Mahreen
Young women's team (2/2) pic.twitter.com/bEqx043PsJ
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) February 16, 2022

Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 India schedule | Live Streaming Timings
Men’s schedule
February 15, Tuesday: India vs Korea/ 1:30 PM IST
February 17, Thursday: India vs Hong Kong/ 7:30 AM IST
February 18, Friday: India vs Indonesia/ 7:30 AM IST
Women’s schedule
February 16, Wednesday: India vs Malaysia/ 1:30 PM IST
February 18, Friday: India vs Japan/ 7:30 AM IST
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 Groups- Men's
Group A- India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Kore
Group B- Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Kazakhstan
The top two teams from Group A and B will qualify for the semi-finals of the Badminton

Asia Team Championships 2022 and will also qualify for the Thomas and Uber Cup finals in
Bangkok in May. Currently, India are at the bottom of Group A while South Korea lead the points
table.
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 Points Table - Group A

Positio
Team Played Won Lost Points
n
South
1 1 1 0 1
Korea
2 Indonesia 1 1 0 1
Hong
3 1 0 1 0
Kong
4 India 1 0 1 0
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022- Women's Groups
The women's badminton championship involves seven teams. India is in Group Y, which is a
tough group. The group also has defending champions Japan and hosts Malaysia. The women’s
division will be a seven-team affair.
Group Y- India, Japan and Malaysia
Group Z- South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and Kazakhstan
Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 Live Streaming and Live Details
Watch Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 live streaming online here. The official
BWF website will also show all the live updates from the event.
There will be no television broadcast of Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022 in

India.
Why are senior Indian players missing from Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022?
India has decided to rest senior players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth from
the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2022.
Background
The Indian men’s team had won bronze in the last edition of Badminton Asia Team
Championships in 2020 while the women’s team had pulled out due to COVID-19.

This year as well, China, Thailand and Chinese Taipei withdrew due to COVID-19 concerns.

Saudi Land Forces Commander pays historic

visit to India
The Commander of Royal Saudi Land Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed
Al-Mutair arrived in India on February 14, 2022 in a historic first.
The three-day visit is the first-ever visit to India by a serving Royal Saudi Land Forces
Commander. It is a testament of the growing bilateral defence ties between India and Saudi
Arabia.
The Saudi Commander called on India’s army chief General M M Naravane during his visit and
both held extensive talks to further enhance defence cooperation between India and Saudi
Arabia. Their dialogue paved way for the identification of new areas of cooperation including
counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
The Saudi Commander was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour at the South Block
lawns before the talks. He was welcomed by General MM Naravane.
General MM Naravane #COAS extended a warm welcome to Lieutenant General Fahd Bin
Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair, Commander, Royal Saudi Land Forces, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
on his arrival at #SouthBlock, New Delhi.#DefenceCooperation#IndiaSaudiArabiaFriendship
pic.twitter.com/JzLwE6wyIQ
The commander also visited National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi as a part of his India
visit and interacted with NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Mago.
Significance
India attached great importance to the visit of the Saudi Commander, calling it as historic and
landmark. The Union Defence Ministry said in a statement that Gen Naravane and Lt Gen Al-
Mutair met for “significant bilateral discussions” and that the visiting commander was briefed
on “security aspects”.
The Ministry further shared that the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia has grown owing
to common interests in economic prosperity, eliminating the scourge of terrorism and mitigating

the effects of climate change.
The Indian Army also tweeted, "Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair,
Commander, Royal Saudi Land Forces, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on General MM
Naravane and discussed ways to further enhance the bilateral defence cooperation
between the two countries."
Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair, Commander, Royal Saudi Land
Forces, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on General MM Naravane #COAS & discussed ways to
further enhance the bilateral defence cooperation between the two
countries.#IndiaSaudiArabiaFriendship pic.twitter.com/sU72L1EWPQ

Background
Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane had held telephonic interaction with Lieutenant General
Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair earlier on February 9, 2022 to discuss the aspects of
bilateral Defence Cooperation.
Army Chief General MM Naravane had telephonic interaction with Lieutenant General Fahd Bin
Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair, Commander, Royal Saudi Armed Forces, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and discussed aspects of bilateral Defence
Cooperation.@adgpi#IndiaSaudiArabiaFriendship pic.twitter.com/TgtbXj4Uz6
— Prasar Bharati News Services .... (@PBNS_India) February 9, 2022
The defence and security ties between India and Saudi Arabia have been on a high for the last
couple of years.
Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane had also visited Saudi Arabia in December 2020,
marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Army Chief to the oil-rich Gulf nation.

Assam to change name of cities contrary to

Indian culture
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government will launch
a portal to invite suggestions for change of names of cities, towns & villages.
The Assam Chief Minister tweeted saying, "Here is much in a name," and added that they shall
be launching a portal to invite suggestions on change of names across Assam which are contrary
to their civilisation, culture and derogatory to any caste or community.
Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised that the name of a city, town or village should represent
its culture, civilisation and tradition.
THERE’S MUCH IN A NAME
Name of a city, town or village should represent its culture, tradition & civilisation.
We shall launch a portal to invite suggestions on change of names across Assam which are
contrary to our civilisation, culture & derogatory to any caste or community.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 16, 2022

Renaming of cities in India
The renaming of cities in India is not a new trend, it started as early as 1947 after the end of the
British Rule in India. There have been several name-change proposals since then, some of them
controversial. All proposals for the renaming of cities and towns have to be approved by the
central government.
The name change of several states and territories have also taken place since India's
Independence including name change of Travancore-Cochin to Kerala in 1956, reorganisation of
Madhya Bharat into Madhya Pradesh in 1959, Madras state to Tamil Nadu in 1969 and Mysore
state to Karnataka in 1973 and Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand in 2007.
There have also been changes in the English spelling of several states and cities to match with
their local dialect such as Calcutta to Kolkata, Orissa to Odisha, Pondicherry to Puducherry,
Bangalore to Bengaluru, Mangalore to Mangaluru, Gurgaon to Gurugram, Bombay to Mumbai,

Trivandrum to Thiruvananthapuram, Madras to Chennai, Cochin to Kochi, Gauhati to Guwahati,

Baroda to Vadodara, Poona to Pune, Mysore to Mysuru, Trichur to Thrissur
Most recently in 2019, the Union Government approved changing the name of the historic city
Allahabad to Prayagraj, reverting to the city's original name Prayag, which means a "place of
offerings". Faizabad district in Uttar Pradesh was also renamed to Ayodhya.
List of Renamed States in India
East Punjab to Punjab (26 January 1950)
United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh (24 January 1950)
Hyderabad + Andhra State to Andhra Pradesh (1 November 1956)
Travancore-Cochin to Kerala (1 November 1956).
Madhya Bharat to Madhya Pradesh (1 November 1959)
Madras State to Tamil Nadu (14 January 1969)
Mysore State to Karnataka (1 November 1973)
Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand (1 January 2007)
Orissa to Odisha (4 November 2011)
List of Renamed UTs in India
Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands to Lakshadweep (1 November 1973)
Pondicherry to Puducherry (1 October 2006)


2022
Veteran singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri passed at 69 after suffering from obstructive
sleep apnea.
Bappi Lahiri's cremation to be held in the morning on February 16th.
Punjabi Actor Deep Sidhu, the main accused in Republic Day 2021 violence, dies in a road
accident near Sonipat in Haryana on February 15th.
Renowned Kannada poet Channaveera Kanavi passes away at a private hospital in Dharwad.
Assam to launch portal to invite suggestions for change of names of cities, towns & villages.
India's Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 campaign ends after Arif Khan ended with a DNF (Did Not
Finish) in the men's slalom event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham Temple in Karol
Bagh, Delhi on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti.
India witnesses a slight rise in Daily COVID-19 cases with 30, 615 new cases in the last 24
hours.
The longest tunnel of Indian Railways, between Sumber and Arpinchala station of Katra-Banihal
section of Udhampur-Srinagar rail link connected successfully.
Trucker protest at Canada-US border expected to end on February 17th.
IIT Bombay Professor Rangan Banerjee takes charge as new Director of IIT Delhi.
Saudi Arabia land forces commander Lt. Gen Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Mutair arrives in India in a
historic visit.
US President says US is ready to respond decisively to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

SpaceX engineer Anna Menon to be among crew of a unique space mission announced by US
billionaire Jared Isaacman.

Veteran singer Bappi Lahiri passes away at

69
Veteran singer and composer Bappi Lahiri passed away at CritiCare Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai on
February 15, 2022. He was 69. The news of his passing was confirmed by a hospital doctor.
'Bappi Lahiri passed away a little before midnight. When the family got him to the hospital his
blood pressure was low and the pulse couldn’t be felt. We tried to revive him but it was too late,'
informed Dr. Deepak Namjoshi, Director of the Hospital and Physician, Cardiologist and
Pulmonologist, who was treating the musician.
The singer had been previously admitted to the hospital for a month and was discharged on
February 14th. His health deteriorated on February 15th and he was brought again to the hospital.
He had multiple health issues and reportedly died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) shortly
before midnight, said Dr Deepak Namjoshi.
Veteran singer and composer Bappi Lahiri passed away, CritiCare Hospital in Mumbai has
confirmed
(File pic) pic.twitter.com/HYVnMrhbrb
Bappi Lahiri’s last onscreen appearance was on the set of Big Boss 15 with Salman Khan
to promote his grandson Swastik’s new song, Baccha Party.
PM Narendra Modi paid condolences to the late singer's family and admirers with a tweet, "Shri
Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions.
People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by
everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions.
People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone.
Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
pic.twitter.com/fLjjrTZ8Jq

Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But, his music had an edge. He introduced a more
contemporary style to Hindi film music with Chalte Chalte, Suraksha & Disco Dancer.
Shanti Dada You will be missed
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 16, 2022

Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da,your voice was the reason for
millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 16, 2022

Bappi Lahiri Biography
Bappi Lahiri Age: 69
Bappi Lahiri last song- Bhankas
Fondly known as Bappi Da, the singer ruled the music industry for several years, especially in the
later 1970s-80s, delivering back to back hits like I am a Disco Dancer, Bambai se aaya mera dost,
Taaki Taaki, Tamma Tamma, Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re, Chalte Chalte, Pag Ghoongroo, Naino
Main Sapna, Humko Aaj Kal Hain Intezaar and Yaad Aa Raha Hai.
He composed songs for several movies including Disco Dancer, Sharaabi, Shola Aur Shabnam,
Adventures of Tarzan, Satyamev Jayate, Commando, Saaheb, Himmatwala, Aaj Ke Shahenshah,
Thanedaar, Sailaab, Namak Halaal and Numbri Aadmi.
His first hit score in Bollywood was for Aamir Khan's father Tahir Hussain's film Zakhmee.
He popularised the use of synthesized disco music in Indian cinema and delivered major box hits
in Bengali films as well such as Aamar Tumi, Amar Sangee, Amar Prem, Mandira, Asha O
Bhalobasha, Badnam, Priya and Raktelekha.
In the last decade, he sang some of the ever-popular songs including Ooh La La for The Dirty
Picture, Tamma Tamma for Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Tune Maari Entriyaan for Gunday and recently
Areey Pyar Kar Le for Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.
His last song was Bhankas for the 2020 film Baaghi 3.
Bappi Lahiri Political Career

Bappi Lahiri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on January 31, 2014. He had contested the 2014
Lok Sabha Elections from the Sarerampur Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal but lost to
TMC candidate Kalyan Banerjee.
Bappi Lahiri Sleep Apnea
Bappi Lahiri was admitted to Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai after being diagnosed with Covid-
19 in April 2021. He suffered from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) in the last year.

Kala Ramachandran appointed as

Gurugram's first woman Police
Commissioner
IPS officer Kala Ramachandran has been appointed as the first woman police
commissioner of Gurugram. She is a 1994 batch IPS officer.
Kala Ramachandran took charge of the position on February 15th from outgoing police chief KK
Rao who has been transferred to Centre for Police Training and Research at Bhondsi near
Gurgaon.
Ramachandran was earlier posted as the Principal Secretary to the Haryana government. She
had the additional charge of ADGP State Vigilance Bureau (H). She has become the first woman
police commissioner of the district since the commissioner system was introduced in 2007.
Key Focus
• In her new role, Kala Ramachandran said that her main priority would be to improve the lives of
common citizens and facilitate the ease of doing business.
• She highlighted that one thing that affects everyone is traffic and hence, traffic management
and road safety will be the two key priority areas.
• Another key priority highlighted by her includes the security of citizens from street crimes such
as drunken driving, eve-teasing, hooliganism and snatchings.
• She said that the security of women and minors from offenses would remain a key priority
adding that a sign of a mature society is when women can go out of the house without fear.
• She added saying that they will also focus on economic offences and cybercrimes.
Kala Ramachandran Biography
• Kala Ramachandran is the first woman to be appointed to the post of the police commissioner
of Gurugram.

• She is also the second IPS officer of additional director general of police (ADGP) rank to
become Gurugram police chief. The first was Mohammad Akil, who served the post from
February 2019 to July 2020.
• Originally from Tamil Nadu cadre, she switched to the Haryana cadre after marriage.
• She has previously served as the Superintendent of police in Rewari, Fatehabad and
Panchkula.
• From 2001 onwards, she was on central deputation with the Intelligence Bureau. She served
the agency till June 2020 after which she returned to the Haryana cadre.
• She had headed the North Eastern Police Academy in Meghalaya from 2017-2020.
• She returned to her home cadre in Haryana in August 2020 and served as ADGP crime against
women (CAW), headquarters and ADGP State Vigilance Bureau at Haryana police headquarters.
• She was later posted as additional director general of police (ADGP) in Panchkula before being
named transport secretary in September 2021.
• Kala Ramachandran is married to senior IPS officer Navdeep Singh Virk, who served as the
police commissioner of Gurugram previously. He is currently serving as Principal Secretary of the
Transport Department.
Background
Gurugram's outgoing police chief KK Rao is a 1996 batch IPS officer. He has been transferred as
inspector general of police (IGP) at Bhondsi.
He served as Gurugram's Police Commissioners for two terms from June 2018 to February 2019
and then later from June 30, 2020 till the present. He was transferred in between to Faridabad.

World Sustainable Development Summit

2022: PM Modi to deliver inaugural address
on February 16th
World Sustainable Development Summit 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the
inaugural address at The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World Sustainable
Development Summit on February 16, 2022 through video conferencing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to deliver the address at around 6 PM. The three-day
summit will begin on February 16th and conclude on February 18th and will see participation from
several heads of state, heads of various intergovernmental organisations, Ministers from over
dozen countries and delegates from more than 120 countries.
President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader is scheduled to attend the summit along with
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali and Deputy Secretary
General of United Nations Amina J Mohammed.
PM Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at Energy & Resources Institute’s (TERI)
World Sustainable Development Summit on February 16 via video message: PMO
pic.twitter.com/RHl1qlzDE2

World Sustainable Development Summit
• The World Sustainable Development Summit is the annual event of the Energy and Resources
Institute (TERI).
• The World Sustainable Development Summit will include discussion over a wide range of
issues including sustainable development, sustainable production, climate change, global
commons, energy transitions and resource security.
• The World Sustainable Development Summit 2022 will be held in a hybrid format in New Delhi,
India.
World Sustainable Development Summit 2022 Theme

• The World Sustainable Development Summit 2022 Theme is ‘Towards a Resilient Planet:
Ensuring a Sustainable and Equitable Future’.
• The extreme weather events across the globe have brought to the forefront on how human well-
being and the planet's health are inextricably linked and just and equitable implementation of
climate and environmental policies need to go along with broader sustainable development
objectives.
• The responses should be viewed from the perspective of planetary resilience and the response
to the COVID-19 pandemic must be right for humans as well as Planet Earth.
Objective
The World Sustainable Development Summit aims to provide long-term solutions to the global
community on issues related to sustainable development. It brings various stakeholders on a
single platform and initiates a step towards achieving constructive action in combating issues
pertinent to the future of humanity.

Biological E's Corbevax vaccine approved for

12-18 year olds
Corbevax Covid-19 Vaccine: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has granted
emergency use authorisation to COVID-19 vaccine, CORBEVAX for 12-18 year age group. The
vaccine is India's 1st indigenously developed Receptor Binding Domain Protein sub-unit vaccine
against COVID-19.
The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Drugs Controller General of India's had earlier
recommended granting restricted emergency use approval to Biological E's COVID-19 vaccine,
Corbevax, for use among adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years subject to certain conditions.
The SEC recommended emergency approval of Corbevax for vaccination of children only after
reviewing its safety and immunogenicity data from the clinical study conducted on the children
and adolescents.
Corbevax is a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, which will be administered through intramuscular

injection in a gap of 28 days just like Covaxin. It has been developed by the Hyderabad-based
pharmaceutical company, Biological E.
Corbevax is a safe vaccine and local reactions are also less. The antibody level of this vaccine is
also very high. Overall Corbevax is a very useful vaccine. It will have 2 primary doses just like
other vaccines in India: Dr NK Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of NTAGI
https://t.co/yTA4a2gHPP pic.twitter.com/8hkBGHhF7d

Significance
Corbevax has become the second vaccine to receive emergency use approval in India for those
aged below 18 years after Covaxin. The approval will speed up the ongoing vaccination drive for
children aged between 15 and 18 years of age.
Corbevax vaccine: All you need to know!
• Corbevax is India’s first indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against Covid-
19.

• The vaccine triggers an immune response by using fragments of the virus-like the spike protein,
instead of using the whole virus.
• The vaccine contains a harmless S-protein antigen technology that binds to the Angiotensin-
Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor on the host cell membrane and enables virus entry.
• Once an individual's immune system recognises the S protein, it will produce antibodies as
white blood cells to protect against the infection.
Corbevax Price
Corbevax vaccine is expected to cost around Rs 145 excluding taxes. The central government
has reportedly already made an advance payment worth Rs 1,500 crore to reserve 30 crore
doses of the Corbevax COVID-19 vaccine.
Background
India has administered both doses of COVID-19 vaccine to over 1.5 crore adolescents between
the age group of 15 to 18 years. A total of 5,24,01,155 first doses and 1,63,10,368 second doses
have been administered to the age group so far.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: India advises its

nationals, students to consider leaving
Ukraine temporarily
India issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Ukraine on February 15, 2022. The advisory urges
Indian Nationals in Ukraine to consider leaving the country temporarily.
Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukrain issued a formal statement asking students particularly, whose
stay is not essential to consider leaving temporarily.
The advisory reads, "In view of uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian
nationals, particularly students whose stay not essential, may consider leaving
temporarily."
The Indian Nationals have also been advised against all non-essential travel to and within
Ukraine.The Embassy of India in Kyiv further requested the Indian nationals to keep the embassy
informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach out to
them whenever required.
Find below tweet by Indian Embassy in Ukraine
ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN UKRAINE.@MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @PIB_India

@DDNewslive @IndiainUkraine @IndianDiplomacy @OIA_MEA pic.twitter.com/LZezMhB8pF
— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 15, 2022
The advisory comes as amid rising tensions and probability of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. The
Indian Embassy in Ukraine though continuous to function normally to provide all services to Indian
Nationals in Ukraine.
US relocates embassy in Kyiv, other countries also ask their citizens to leave Ukraine
The United States on February 11, 2022 asked its citizens in Ukraine to leave the country within
the next 24 to 48 hours amid growing concerns of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a press briefing on February 11 that

an attack by Russia “could occur any day now”. He further added that if Russia attacks
Ukraine, it is likely to begin with aerial bombing and missile attacks that could obviously kill
civilians and hence, urged any American in Ukraine to leave the country as soon as possible.
The United States has also temporarily relocated its embassy in Ukraine from Kyiv to the
western city of Lviv.
We are in the process of temporarily relocating our Embassy operations in Ukraine from our
Embassy in Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces. We
urge any remaining US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately: US Secy of State Antony Blinken
pic.twitter.com/DFjinVLvDG
Apart from India and the US, several other countries are cutting their diplomatic staff in Ukraine
and have urged their citizens to leave the country including Germany, UK, Canada, Australia,
Italy, Japan, Israel, Ireland, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria,
Lithuania, Estonia, Slovenia, Norway, Luxembourg and Belgium.
Background
New satellite images show massive build up by Russia along Ukraine's borders in Belarus,
Crimea and western Russia, increasing fears of an impending Russian invasion of Ukraine. The
satellite images show the deployment of ground attack aircraft and fighter-bomb jets at forward
locations.
French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned on February 14 that Russia is ready for an
attack on Ukrain as all the elements for the invasion are in place.
In a frantic last-minute effort to avert potential war, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has flown to
Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin in a high stakes mission. This comes after Scholz's one-
day trip to Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky recently posted on his Facebook account saying,
"February 16 will be the day of attack" on Ukraine by Russia.
"US still does not believe Putin has made a decision to invade, but possible he could move with
little to no warning," says Pentagon spokesperson


2022
National News
India records massive dip in daily COVID-19 cases, reports 27,409 new COVID-19 infections in
last 24 hours, daily positivity rate dips to 2.23 percent.
Retail inflation rises above 6 percent to a 7-month high in January 2022.
Snow sculpture of Taj Mahal latest attraction for tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg.
Textiles Ministry extends the timeline for submission of applications under Production Linked
Incentives Scheme for Textiles till February 28.
Home Committee expresses concern overcrowding and condition of women lodged in different
jails across the country.
Udupi students appeal to Karnataka HC to allow them to wear hijab matching uniform colours.
Popular Kannada actress Bhargavi Narayan passed away at the age of 83 years on February 14
due to age-related illnesses.
International News
Russia ready for an attack on Ukraine, all elements in place: France
Canada PM Justin Trudeau invokes rarely-used emergency powers to end truckers' protests.
Russia moves long-range artillery into firing positions.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 15, 2022
to avert war.
Taliban Government names new military unit in Nangarhar province after Third Battle of Panipat,
in which Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated Marathas.

Rocket debris heading towards Moon is not from SpaceX, it belongs to a Chinese rocket.
Sanctions-hit Mali defaults on several payments on the regional financial market.
South African batsman Keegan Petersen, England skipper Heather Knight ICC Player of the
Month for January 2022.

Ilker Ayci turns down offer to be new Air India

CEO
New Air India CEO: Ilker Ayci, former Chairman of Turkish Airlines, has turned down Tata
Son’s offer to be Air India's new CEO. Ayci said in a statement that his reason to opt out of
the role was that his appointment was 'coloured' by the Indian media.
Ilker Ayci said in a release, “I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or
an honourable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such a narrative.” This
comes days after his appointment led to opposition in the country with RSS questioning the move
and asking the government to block his appointment, citing his close relations with Turkish
President, a close ally of Pakistan.
Ilker Ayci had previously served as a personal advisor to Turkish president Racep Tayyip
Erdogan. The Turkish President had referred to the issue of Kashmir in his address to world
leaders at the UN General Assembly session late last year. The address was condemned by India
and termed as "completely unacceptable".
Tata Sons announces Ilker Ayci's appointment
Tata Sons announced that Ilker Ayci has been appointed as the new CEO and MD of Air
India on February 14, 2022. The Air India Board decided to approved the appointment of Ilker
Ayci as the CEO and MD of Air India after due deliberations. Ilker Ayci was previously serving as
the Chairman of Turkish Airlines and was on the board of the company before that. He was
scheduled to take charge of his new role on or before April 1, 2022.
About Ilker Ayci
• Born in Istanbul in 1971, Ilker Ayci is a 1994 alumni of the Department of Political Science and
Public Administration at Bilkent University.
• He also did research on political science at UK's Leeds University in 1995. He then did
International Relations from Marmara University in Istanbul in 1997.
• He was serving as the Chairman of Turkish Airlines from 2015 to 2022.

• He has also previously served as the advisor of Recep Tayyip Erdoan in 1994.
• Ilker Ayci expressed delight at being chosen for the post. He said that he is honoured to accept
the privilege of leading the iconic airline and join the Tata Group.
• He said that by working closely with his colleagues at Air India and Tata Group, they will utilize
Air India's strong heritage to make it one of the best airlines in the world.
Air India
Air India was founded by JRD Tata and the airline's history is synonymous with the annals of civil
aviation in India. The first-ever Air India flight took off on October 15, 1932. Since then, it has
pioneered India's aviation sector and become one of the major international airlines.
Air India has a vast international and domestic network connecting the far-east, south-east Asia,
US, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, the Gulf and India's north-east, Ladakh and Andaman and
the Nicobar Islands.
Air India Express was launched as India's first budget international carrier in 2006 to connect
smaller towns directly to the Gulf and South East Asia regions.
Air India along with Air India Express has played a major role in evacuating stranded Indians in
times of crisis such as the Kuwait Invasion and COVID-19 outbreak.

IPL Auction 2022: List of sold and unsold

Players in IPL Mega Auction
IPL Auction 2022: The action-packed two-day IPL Mega Auction 2022 ended on February 13,
2022. The squads of all ten IPL teams have been finalised. While 10 players touched the Rs 10-
crore mark, several prominent players went unsold.
While some teams like Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers
Bangalore tried to get back their former players, others like Punjab Kings and Delhi tried to
revamp their side by targetting new players.
A total of 10 players were bought for Rs 10 crore or more with Ishan Kishan being the most
expensive player with a solid Rs 15.25 crore deal from Mumbai Indians, followed by Deepak
Chahar who received Rs 14 crore deal from his former team Chennai Super Kings.
Shreyas Iyer got a staggering Rs 12.25 crore deal from Kolkata Knight Riders and Shardul Thakur
received Rs 10,75 crore from Delhi Capitals. These four players were the top four picks of IPL
2022 Mega Auction Day 1.
At the same time, some big names like Steve Smith, Imran Tahir, Adam Zampa, Marnus
Labuschagne, Eoin Morgan, Aaron Finch, Shakib Al Hasan, Suresh Raina, Dawid Malan, Sheldon
Cottrell, Ishant Sharma failed to get a single bid.
Find the complete list of sold and unsold players in IPL Mega Auction here.
List of Sold Players
Player Name Deal IPL Team
Ishan Kishan 15.25 crore MI
Deepak Chahar 14 crore CSK
Shreyas Iyer 12.25 crore KKR
Liam Livingstone 11.5 crore PBKS
Nicholas Pooran 10.75 crore SRH

Harshal Patel 10.75 crore RCB

Wanindu Hasaranga 10.75 crore RCB
Shardul Thakur 10.75 crore DC
Prasidh Krishna 10 crore RR
Lockie Ferguson 10 crore GT
Avesh Khan 10 crore LSG
Kagiso Rabada 9.25 crore PBKS
Shahrukh Khan 9 crore PBKS
Rahul Tewatia 9 crore GT
Shikhar Dhawan 8.25 crore PBKS
Trent Boult 8 crore RR
Jason Holder 8.75 crore LSG
Washington Sundar 8.75 crore SRH
Shimron Hetmyer 8.5 crore RR
Rahul Tripathi 8.5 crore SRH
Krunal Pandya 8.25 crore LSG
Tim David 8.25 crore MI
Nitish Rana 8 crore KKR
Devdutt Padikkal 7.75 crore RR
Josh Hazlewood 7.75 crore RCB
R. Ashwin 5 crore RR
Pat Cummins 7.25 crore KKR
Mohammad Shami 6.25 crore GT
Faf Du Plessis 7 crore RCB
Quinton De Kock 6.75 crore LSG
David Warner 6.25 crore DC
Manish Pandey 4.6 crore LSG

Robin Uthappa 2 crore CSK
Jason Roy 2 crore GT
Dwayne Bravo 4.4 crore CSK
Deepak Hooda 5.75 crore LSG
Mitchell Marsh 6.5 crore DC
Ambati Rayudu 6.75 crore CSK
Jonny Bairstow 6.75 crore PBKS
Dinesh Karhik 5.5 crore RCB
Priyam Garg 20 lakh SRH
Abhinav Sadarangani 2.6 crore GT
Dewald Brevis 3 crore MI
Ashwin Hebbar 20 lakh DC
Riyan Parag 3.8 crore RR
Abhishek Sharma 6.5 crore SRH
Sarfaraz Khan 20 lakh DC
Shivam Mavi 7.25 crore KKR
Kamlesh Nagarkoti 1.1 crore DC
Harpreet Brar 3.8 crore PBKS
Shahbaz Ahamad 2.4 crore RCB
KS Bharat 2 crore DC
Anuj Rawat 3.4 crore RCB
Prabhsimran Singh 60 lakh PBKS
Sheldon Jackson 60 lakh KKR
Jitesh Sharma 20 lakh PBKS
Basil Thampi 30 lakh MI
Kartik Tyagi 4 crore SRH
Akash Deep 20 lakh RCB

KM Asif 20 lakh CSK
Ishan Porel 25 lakh PBKS
Tushar Deshpande 20 lakh CSK
Ankit Rajpoot 50 lakh LSG
Noor Ahmad 30 lakh GT
Murugan Ashwin 1.6 crore MI
KC Cariappa 30 lakh RR
Shreyas Gopal 75 lakh SRH
J Suchith 20 lakh SRH
R Sai Kishore 3 crore GT
T Natarajan 4 crore SRH
Mark Wood 7.5 crore LSG
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4.2 crore SRH
Mustafizur Rahman 2 crore DC
Kuldeep Yadav 2 crore DC
Rahul Chahar 5.25 crore PBKS
Yuzvendra Chahal 6.5 crore RR
Aiden Markram 2.6 crore SRH
Ajinkya Rahane 1 crore KKR
Mandeep Singh 1.1 crore DC
Dominic Drakes 1.1 crore GT
Jayant Yadav 1.7 crore GT
Vijay Shankar 1.4 crore GT
Odean Smith 6 crore PBKS
Marco Jansen 4.2 crore SRH
Shivam Dube 4 crore CSK
K Gowtham 90 lakh LSG

Khaleel Ahmed 5.25 crore DC
Dushmanta Chameera 2 crore LSG
Chetan Sakariya 4.2 crore DC
Sandeep Sharma 50 lakh PBKS
Navdeep Saini 2.6 crore RR
Jaydev Unadkat 1.3 crore MI
Mayank Markande 65 lakh MI
Shahbaz Nadeem 50 lakh LSG
Maheesh Theekshana 70 lakh CSK
Rinku Singh 55 lakh KKR
Manan Vohra 20 lakh LSG
Lalit Yadav 65 lakh DC
Ripal Patel 20 lakh DC
Yash Dhull 50 lakh DC
Tilak Varma 1.7 crore MI
Mahipal Lomror 95 lakh RCB
Anukul Roy 20 lakh KKR
Darshan Nalkande 20 lakh GT
Sanjay Yadav 50 lakh MI
Raj Bawa 2 crore PBKS
Rajvardhan Hangarkekar 1.5 crore CSK
Yash Dayal 3.2 crore GT
Simarjeet Singh 20 lakh CSK
Finn Allen 80 lakh RCB
Devon Conway 1 crore CSK
Rovman Powell 2.8 crore DC
Jofra Archer 8 crore MI

Rishi Dhawan 55 lakh PBKS
Dwaine Pretorius 50 lakh CSK
Sherfane Rutherford 1 crore RCB
Daniel Sams 2.6 crore MI
Mitchell Santner 1.9 crore CSK
Romario Shepherd 7.75 crore SRH
Jason Behrendorff 75 lakh RCB
Obed McCoy 75 lakh RR
Tymal Mills 1.5 crore MI
Adam Milne 1.9 crore CSK
Subhranshu Senapati 20 lakh CSK
Pravin Dubey 50 lakh DC
Prerak Mankad 20 lakh PBKS
Suyash Prabhudessai 30 lakh RCB
Vaibhav Arora 2 crore PBKS
Mukesh Choudhary 20 lakh CSK
Rasikh Dar 20 lakh KKR
Mohsin Khan 20 lakh LSG
Chama Milind 25 lakh RCB
Prashant Solanki 1.2 crore CSK
Sean Abbott 2.4 crore SRH
Alzarri Joseph 2.4 crore GT
Riley Meredith 1 crore MI
Ayush Badoni 20 lakh LSG
Aneeshwar Gautam 20 lakh RCB
Baba Indrajith 20 lakh KKR
Chamika Karunaratne 50 lakh KKR

Ravikumar Samarth 20 lakh SRH
Abhijeet Tomar 40 lakh KKR
Pradeep Sangwan 20 lakh GT
Pratham Singh 20 lakh KKR
Writtick Chatterjee 20 lakh PBKS
Shashank Singh 20 lakh SRH
Kyle Mayers 50 lakh LSG
Karan Sharma 20 lakh LSG
Baltej Dhanda 20 lakh PBKS
Saurabh Dubey 20 lakh SRH
Mohd Arshad Khan 20 lakh MI
Ansh Patel 20 lakh PBKS
Ashok Sharma 55 lakh KKR
Anunay Singh 20 lakh RR
David Miller 3 crore GT
Sam Billings 2 crore KKR
Wriddhiman Saha 1.9 crore GT
Matthew Wade 2.4 crore GT
C Hari Nishaanth 20 lakh CSK
Anmolpreet Singh 20 lakh MI
N Jagadeesan 20 lakh CSK
Vishnu Vinod 50 lakh SRH
Chris Jordan 3.6 crore CSK
Lungi Ngidi 50 lakh DC
Karn Sharma 50 lakh RCB
Kuldeep Sen 20 lakh RR
Alex Hales 1.5 crore KKR

Evin Lewis 2 crore LSG
Karun Nair 1.4 crore RR
Glenn Phillips 1.5 crore SRH
Tim Seifert 50 lakh DC
Nathan Ellis 75 lakh PBKS
Fazalhaq Farooqi 50 lakh SRH
Ramandeep Singh 20 lakh MI
Atharva Taide 20 lakh PBKS
Dhruv Jurel 20 lakh RR
Mayank Yadav 20 lakh LSG
Tejas Baroka 20 lakh RR
Bhanuka Rajapaksa 50 lakh PBKS
Gurkeerat Singh 50 lakh GT
Tim Southee 1.5 crore KKR
Rahul Buddhi 20 lakh MI
Benny Howell 40 lakh PBKS
Kuldip Yadav 20 lakh RR
Varun Aaron 50 lakh GT
Ramesh Kumar 20 lakh KKR
Hrithik Shokeen 20 lakh MI
K Bhagath Varma 20 lakh CSK
Arjun Tendulkar 30 lakh MI
Shubham Garhwal 20 lakh RR
Mohammad Nabi 1 crore KKR
Umesh Yadav 2 crore KKR
James Neesham 1.5 crore RR
Nathan Coulter-Nile 2 crore RR

Vicky Ostwal 20 lakh DC
Rassie van der Dussen 1 crore RR
Daryl Mitchell 75 lakh RR
Siddharth Kaul 75 lakh RCB
B Sai Sudharshan 20 lakh GT
Aryan Juyal 20 lakh MI
Luvnith Sisodia 20 lakh RCB
Fabian Allen 75 lakh MI
David Willey 2 crore RCB
Aman Khan 20 lakh KKR

List of Unsold Players
IPL 2022 Auction Players Unsold List:
Suresh Raina
Steve Smith
Shakib Al Hasan
Marnus Labuschagne
Eoin Morgan
Aaron Finch
Adil Rashid
Mujeeb Zadran
Imran Tahir
Adam Zampa
Cheteshwar Pujara

Dawid Malan
Ishant Sharma
Martin Guptill
Ish Sodhi
Sheldon Cottrell
Amit Mishra
Rajat Patidar
Mohammed Azharuddeen
Vishnu Solanki
M Siddharth
Sandeep Lamichhane
Saurabh Tiwari
Tabraiz Shamsi
Qais Ahmad
Virat Singh
Sachin Baby
Himmat Singh
Harnooor Singh
Ricky Bhui
Vicky Ostwal

Vasu Vats
Arzan Nagwaswalla
Yash Thakur
Akash Singh
Mujtaba Yousuf
Charith Asalanka
George Garton
Ben McDermott
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Sameer Rizvi
Tanmay Agarwal
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Sandeep Warrier
Reece Topley
Andrew Tye
Prashant Chopra
Pankaj Jaiswal
Yuvraj Chudasama
Apoorv Wankhede
Atharva Ankolekar

Midhun Sudhesan
Pankaj Jaswal
Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Cutting
Roston Chase
Pawan Negi
Dhawal Kulkarni
Kane Richardson
Laurie Evans
Kennar Lewis
BR Sharath
Hayden Kerr
Shams Mulani
Saurabh Kumar
Dhruv Patel
Atit Sheth
David Wiese
Sushant Mishra
Blessing Muzarabani
Kaushal Tambe

Ninad Rathva
Amit Ali
Ashutosh Sharma
Khizer Dafedar
Rohan Rana
Background
The IPL 2022 season will see ten teams in action unlike previous seasons, when there were eight
teams. Two new teams were introduced in this season including Lucknow Super Giants and
Gujarat Titans.
Ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega auction, the existing eight IPL teams were allowed to retain a
maximum of four players and the two new teams were allowed to select three players each from
the list of released players.
Check Retained Players List here
All sides were allotted a purse of Rs 90 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction. This included the
amount of the players retained by them so all ten teams stepped into the IPL mega auction with
different bidding amounts, depending upon the players they picked in retention and draft. IPL
2022 season is likely to get underway in the last week of March.

Assembly Elections 2022: Voting underway in

UP, Goa and Uttarakhand- Check voter
turnout
Assembly Elections 2022: The assembly polls are underway in three states - Goa, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand today. While single-phase voting is being held in Goa and Uttarakhand,
the second phase of polls are being held in Uttar Pradesh.
The assembly polls in Goa and Uttar Pradesh started at 7 am on February 14, while it began at 8
am in Uttarakhand. The Bhartiya Janata Party is currently the ruling party in all these states.
Under the second phase of UP elections 2022, 55 assembly seats in 9 districts have gone to the
polls. In Goa and Uttarakhand, 40 and 70 assembly constituencies respectively have gone to
polls.
Voter turnout till 11 am
Goa Elections 2022- 26.63%
Uttar Pradesh Elections - 23.03%
Uttarakhand Elections 2022 - 18.97%
UP Elections 2022 Phase 2
The UP Assembly Elections 2022 Phase II will be held from 7 am to 6 pm.
The UP phase II assembly polling is being held in 55 seats across nine districts.
The areas going to the polls this time are considered to be the strongholds of the Samajwadi
Party.
Last time, BJP had won 38 out of the 55 seats, while SP had won 15 and Congress had won 2.
Key Candidates in Fray in UP

The key candidates in the fray in this phase include Dharam Singh Saini, a BJP state minister
who had switched to the SP and SP's Azam Khan, who has been fielded from Rampur. Saini is
contesting from Nakud seat.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi casts his vote at a polling booth in Rampur for the second
phase of #UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/52QMHODp8x

Goa Elections 2022
Goa Elections 2022 are taking place across 40 assembly seats. There are 301 candidates in the
fray and over 11 lakh voters.
The parties contesting the assembly elections include BJP, Congress in pre-poll alliance with Goa
Forward Party, AAP and TMC in alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP).
Key Candidates in Fray in Goa
The key candidates in Goa include Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Opposition leader Digambar
Kamat (INC), late CM Manohar Parrikar's son Utpal Parrikar, AAP's CM face Amit Paleker, former
Goa CMs Churchill Alemao (TMC), Ravi Naik (BJP) and Laxmikant Parsekar (independent) and
former deputy CMs Sudin Dhavalikar (MGP) and Vijai Sardesai (GFP).
Polling process peaceful with 11.04% voter turnout so far. We want more & more people to vote
this time, expecting record-breaking voting. 5 Control Units, 11 VVPATs replaced during mock
polls, this is a normal procedure: Kunal, Chief Electoral Officer, Goa#GoaElections2022
pic.twitter.com/sZbUVKeAzn

Uttarakhand Elections 2022
The Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2022 are underway across 70 constituencies with 632
candidates in the fray including 152 independents. There are over 81 lakh voters in the state.
Key Candidates in Fray in Uttarakhand
The key candidates in the fray in Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2022 include current Chief
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat (INC), State Cabinet
Ministers Rekha Arya, Satpal Maharaj, Arvind Pandey, Subodh Uniyal and Dhan Singh Rawat,

BJP state president Madan Kaushik, Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal, former minister
Yashpal Arya and Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh.
Uttarakhand CM and BJP candidate from Khatima, Pushkar Singh Dhami casts his vote at a
polling booth in the constituency, for #UttarakhandElections2022
His mother and wife also cast their votes. pic.twitter.com/aR2aRU8VsV

Background
The Uttar Pradesh assembly polls 2022 will take place in 403 assembly constituencies in seven
phases. The first phase of polling was held on February 10th.

New Chinese App Ban in India List: India to

ban 54 Chinese Apps citing security threat
Chinese App Ban in India list: The Indian Government will ban 54 more Chinese apps that pose
a threat to India's security. This was informed by the ministry of electronics and information on
February 14, 2022.
The ministry said in a statement that these 54 apps allegedly obtain various critical permissions
and collect sensitive user data, which is being misused and transmitted to servers located in
China.
This will enable the apps to compile huge personal data to mine, collate, analyse and profile by
the elements who are hostile to the sovereignty and integrity of India and for activities detrimental
to national security, the IT ministry added.
The new Chinese app ban in India list includes apps like Beauty Camera, Dual Space Lite, Viva
Video, Garena Free Fire, Sweet Selfie HD, Tencent Xriver, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite,
Equalizer & Bass Booster and AppLock.
The 54 Chinese apps include Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD, Beauty Camera - Selfie Camera,
Equalizer & Bass Booster, CamCard for SalesForce Ent, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva
Video Editor, Tencent Xriver, Onmyoji Chess, Onmyoji Arena, AppLock, Dual Space Lite.
Read more: India bans TikTok, Cam Scanner, WeChat and other Chinese apps
Full list of banned Chinese apps
• Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD
• Beauty Camera - Selfie Camera
• Equalizer & Bass Booster – Music Volume EQ
Equalizer – Bass Booster & Volume EQ & Virtualizer
Equalizer & Bass Booster – Music Volume EQ

Equalizer Pro – Volume Booster & Bass Booster
• CamCard for SalesForce Ent
• Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite
• Viva Video Editor
• Garena Free Fire – Illuminate
• Tencent Xriver
• Onmyoji Chess
• Onmyoji Arena
• AppLock
• Dual Space Lite – Multiple Accounts & Clone App
• Dual Space Pro – Multiple Accounts & App Cloner
• DualSpace Lite – 32Bit Support
• Dual Space – 32Bit Support
• Dual Space – 64Bit Support
• Dual Space Pro – 32Bit Support
• Music Player- Music.Mp3 Player
• Music Plus – MP3 Player
• Video Player Media All Format
• Music Player – Equalizer & MP3
• Volume Booster – Loud Speaker & Sound Booster

• Music Player – MP3 Player
• MP3 Cutter – Ringtone Maker & Audio Cutter
• Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade
• IS/APUS Security HD (Pad Version)
• Parallel Space Lite 32 Support
• 18 Nice video baidu
• Conquer Online – MMORPG Game
• Conquer Online Il
• Live Weather & Radar – Alerts
• Notes- Color Notepad, Notebook
• Voice Recorder & Voice Changer
• Barcode Scanner – QR Code Scan
• Lica Cam – selfie camera app
• CuteU Pro
• CuteU: Match With The World
• FancvU – Video Chat & Meetup
• Real: Go Live. Make Friends
• Real Lite -video to live!
• MoonChat: Enjoy Video Chats
• FunChat Meet People Around You

• Wink: Connect Now
• EVE Echoes
• Astracraft
• UU Game Booster-network solution for high ping
• Extraordinary Ones
• Badlanders
• Stick Fight: The Game Mobile
• Twilight Pioneers
• Small World-Enjoy groupchat and video chat
• FancyU pro – Instant Meetup through Video chat!
Why have the new Chinese apps been banned?
The Electronics and Information Technology Ministry informed that it had received a request from
the Home Affairs Ministry to block the 54 apps under the emergency provision envisaged in
Section 69(A) of the IT Act. As per the Ministry, these apps are either a cloned version or have
similar functionality, privacy issues and security threats as the previously blocked 267 apps in
2020.
India bans TikTok, WeChat, Cam Scanner and other Chinese Apps
India had banned 59 Chinese mobile apps including the popular TikTok, Cam Scanner,
WeChat citing a threat to national sovereignty and security on June 29, 2020. The apps were
banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. This was followed by a ban on 47
related and cloning apps on August 10, 2020.
The centre later blocked 118 Chinese mobile apps on September 1, 2020 stating that they are
"prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India. India banned another 43 apps on November 19,
2020.

The action was prompted after 20 Indian soldiers martyred in the violent clash between India and
China in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh amid border tensions.
China has opposed India's decision to continue the ban on Chinese mobile apps saying that the
move violates the World Trade Organisation's non-discriminatory principles.


2022
National News
Centre to sell 5 percent in LIC in India's biggest-ever IPO
Indian Army Chief MM Naravane pays homage to martyrs on anniversary of Pulwama terror
attack.
Centre approves continuation of police modernisation scheme for five years with financial outlay
of Rs 26,275 crore.
Oman Navy Chief visits India from February 14-18 to procure naval equipment and additional
training slots
Russia will not take part in Indian Navy's ongoing procurement plan for new submarines.
National Women's Day observed on February 13 to commemorate Sarojini Naidu's birth

anniversary.
Second-phase polling underway in UP, 9.45 percent voter turnout recorded till 9 am
Tata Sons Chairman cannot head Tata Trusts, Noel Tata joins Tata Trusts as trustee
ISRO successfully launches EOS-04, two other satellites in first mission of 2022.
International News
Australia lists koalas as "endangered" after numbers plunge due to bushfires, land-clearing,
drought and disease.
US says Russia may create a pretext to invade Ukraine
Pakistan President Imran Khan defends China's Uyghur repression saying not what western
media portrays.
US President Joe Biden warns Putin of severe sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine in 1-hour

phone call.
Ukraine President invites US President to visit Kyiv in coming days.
Reliance Jio announces a joint venture with SES for affordable satellite broadband services.

World Radio Day 2022: Theme, Date, History

and Significance
World Radio Day 2022: World Radio Day is observed every year on February 13 to underline the
importance of radio in today's world.
Radio has been a dominant form of communication to reach the masses in India till day amid the
advances in technology. It also continues to be one of themost trusted and accessible media in
the world, as per different international reports.
World Radio Day 2022 Theme
The World Radio Day 2022 Theme is ' Radio and Trust.'
The main theme of the day in 2022 has been divided into three main sub-themes:
Trust in radio journalism

Trust and accessibility
Trust and viability of radio stations
World Radio Day Significance
Radio is one of the most powerful and trustworthy mediums of communication, especially to reach
the masses.
It remains the most widely consumed medium at the global level.
Radio stations serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programmes and content.
This unique ability of radio to reach out the widest audience means that it can shape a society’s
experience of diversity and be a platform where all voices are heard.
There are a lot of people still trust radio and rely on it for the consumption of news and
entertainment purposes.
World Radio Day History

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) member states
first proclaimed the World Radio Day in 2011.
The day was later adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.

Business Icon Rahul Bajaj - Chairman of

Bajaj Auto, passes away at the age of 83
Rahul Bajaj Passes Away: Industrialist and Business Icon Rahul Bajaj passed away on
Saturday – 12th February at his residence in Pune. The former chairman of Bajaj Group Rahul
Bajaj was 83 and had pneumonia and also a heart problem, for which he was undergoing
treatment at the Ruby Hall Clinic for nearly 1 month now. Mr Bajaj breathed his last at 2:30 PM on
Saturday. Bajaj is survived by sons, Rajiv and Sanjiv Bajaj, and daughter Sunaina Kejriwal.
Rahul Bajaj to be accorded State Funeral
Following his demise, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that he will be
cremated with full state honours on Sunday. His last rites will be performed at Pune's Vaikunth
Crematorium.
Humara Bajaj
It was under the leadership of Mr Rahul Bajaj that Bajaj Auto rose from 7.2 crore company to a Rs
12,000 crore empire. During mid-80s he launched Bajaj Chetak scooter, which under the brand’s
jingle of ‘Humara-Bajaj’, because an aspirational symbol for country’s middle-class Indians.
Who was Rahul Bajaj?
Rahul Bajaj was one of the most well-known and vocal voices of Auto Industry in India. Born on
30th June 1938 in Calcutta, Mr Bajaj did his graduate studies at St.Stephen’s College Delhi,
followed by his MBA from Harvard Business School.
After completing his education, he joined the Bajaj Group in 1965 and was appointed as the CEO
at the age of 30. In 1972, he took over the role of Managing Director of the group after the death
of his father. Rahul Bajaj acted as the chairman of the Bajaj Group for over 40 years. Rahul Bajaj
resigned as the chairman of Bajaj Auto in April last year and was currently the Chairman Emeritus
of the firm.
Among other professional achievements, Mr Bajaj had served as the Chairman of the industry
body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for two terms - 1979-80 and 1999-2000. Earlier, he
had also led Indian Airlines as the Chairman and served on the board of governors of IIT Bombay.

Awards and Accolades
Over the period of 40 years of his career, Mr Rahul Bajaj had been honoured with several awards
and honours. In 2001, the Central Government bestowed him with Padma Bhushan - the third-
highest civilian award in the Republic of India. He also holds honorary doctorates from many
universities. He got elected to the Rajya Sabha for the 2006-2010 period.

SEBI bans Reliance Home Finance, Anil

Ambani and 3 others from securities market
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on February 11, 2022 barred Reliance Home
Finance Ltd, Anil Ambani and three other individuals from the securities market for siphoning off
funds from the company.
The three other individuals who have been barred from it include Ravindra Sudhakar, Amit Bapna
and Pinkesh R Shah.
The market regulator restrained individuals from associating themselves with any intermediary
registered with Sebi or any other public company or acting directors of any public company that
intends to raise money from the public till further orders.
Key Details
• Sebi's 100-page order was passed to a total of 28 individuals and entities.
• The key focus was to broadly look into how Reliance Home Finance dispersed loans during FY
2018-19 to several borrowing entities.
• The root of the order can be traced to multiple sources such as a letter of Price Waterhouse &
Co addressed to RHFL intimating their resignation as the statutory auditor of the company.
• It is also a result of complaints received by Sebi alleging siphoning off/diversion of funds of

RHFL by promoters and management of the company.
• There were also multiple Fraud Monitoring Returns (FMRs) from banks that alleged that the
funds borrowed by RHFL from different lenders were partly used towards repayment of loans.
• The Sebi order also said that various connected parties and companies with weak financials
were used as conduits to siphon off funds from RHFL to entities connected to the promoter
company Reliance Capital,
• It was noted that Anil Ambani, who controls the company due to his position as a promoter and
controlling shareholder, is seen to be exercising unfettered powers.

• The order also noted that the company's CFOs Pinkesh R Shah and Amit Bapna and the
company’s Key Managerial Persons (KMPs) like Executive Director and CEO Ravindra Sudhakar
are prima facie found hand in gloves with Ambani in siphoning off the borrowed funds of the
company instead of bringing such misdeeds to the notice of the Board of Directors/Regulators.
• The amount of loans disbursed by Reliance Home Finance increased exponentially to around
Rs 7,900 crore as on March 31, 2019 from around Rs 900 crore on March 31, 2018.
About Reliance Home Finance
Reliance Home Finance is one of India's leading financial services companies, owned by Anil
Ambani.
It serves over 36,100 customers across 120 locations.
The services it offers include affordable home loan, loan against property, high value home loan,
property services, construction financing and property valuation services.


2022
National News
Hijab ban violates religious freedom and stigmatize, marginalise women and girls: US on
Karnataka Hijab Row.
Centre scraps drone pilot licence requirement.
Government targets to end diesel use in farms by 2024, to be replaced by renewable energy.
UP sees 60 percent voter turnout in 58 constituencies in 11 districts.
Ravi Chopra, environmentalist and Chairman of SC-appointed High Powered Committee (HPC)on
Char Dham project resigns.
Sebi bans Anil Ambani, Reliance Home Finance and 3 others from the securities market.
International News
Canada's Ontario province declares a state of emergency.
Biden, Putin to talk today as US asks Americans to get out of Ukraine in 24-48 hours.
US President Joe Bine to hold telephonic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US warns of Russian invasion of Ukraine any day now, asks citizens to get out of Ukraine in next
24-48 hours.
Indonesia signs $8.1 billion deal with France to procure 42 Rafale jets
French President Emmanuel Macron kept at a distance from the Russian President after refusing
to take the Russian-performed COVID test.
Covid hasn't ended as there would be more coronavirus variants: WHO chief scientist

NASA Telescope detects high-energy light from Jupiter.

Australia Lists Koalas As Endangered

Species due to Declining Numbers
Australia Lists Koalas As Endangered Species: Australian Government has designated Koala
as an endangered species across most of its east coast following rapid decline in its number. The
announcement comes amid rapid decline in its population following outbreak of wildfires, drought
and disease. Koalas also known as Marsupials were once thriving on the Eastern Coast of the
Island Continent, but have recently fallen victim to land clearing, catastrophic bushfires which has
lead to shrinking its eucalyptus tree habitats across the country. In 2012, Koalas were classified
as Vulnerable in New South Wales, the Act and Queensland Regions by Australian Federal
Government under Federal EPBC Act.
Announcement by Australian Environment Minister
Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley on Friday announced the landmark decision of the
government, vowing “unprecedented action” to protect the species from possible extinction.
During this announcement, Ley noted that the Listing of Koalas as endangered species is
applicable in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory - covering much
of Australia’s eastern coast. Following re-classification of Koalas as endangered species, will
provide them with a higher-level of protection. At the same time, it will also slow down and lower
the threshold or impact to which new developments may harm them. Ley also added that along
with listing of Koalas as endangered species, Australian Government is also planning to adopt a
long-awaited national recovery plan for the koala.
Decision Based on Recommendations WWF-Australia
The decision to declare Koalas as endangered species has been taken following recommendation
of several Wild Life Organizations. WWF-Australia, Humane Society International and
International Fund for Animal Welfare had submitted a proposal to list Koalas in Endangered
category in April 2020. The proposal was based on a research done by these organizations which
found decline of 62% in Koala population in New South Wales and 50 percent in Queensland
since 2001.
About Koalas
Native to Australia, Koalas are arboreal herbivorous marsupials found in Australiann mainland's

eastern and southern regions. The typical habitat for Koalas is open eucalypt woodlands, and the
leaves of these trees make up most of their diet. In terms of societal behaviour, Koalas are
asocial animals and typically emotional bonding is seen only between mothers and dependent
offspring.
Also Read: Australia Wildfires: Everything You Need To Know

Surat to be India's 1st Bullet Train Station by

December 2024, Check Details Here
Surat – India’s 1st Bullet Train Station: Gujarat’s Business hub Surat is all set to be India’s 1st
Bullet Train Station as per the details shared by the Ministry of Railways. Brining PM Modi’s vision
of Bullet Train to fruition, Surat is being developed as the 1st Dedicated Bullet Train station that
will be a major port for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project which is under development
now. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is being managed by National High-Speed Rail
Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) at the cost Rs 1 lakh crore of which Rs 88,000 crores will be funded
by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
India’s 1st Bullet Train Station
Union Minister of State for Railways Darshana Jardosh shared a graphic representation of the
India’s 1st Bullet Train Station which being developed at Surat. The Station Construction project is
expected to be completed by December 2024 and will feature an external facade and interiors of
the station resemble a sparkling diamond, she added.
Sharing with you all, 1st glimpse of graphical representation of Surat's Bullet Train station.
The state-of-the-art multi-level station will have external facade and interiors of the station
resemble a sparkling diamond - the pride of Surat city. #NayeBharatKiNayiRail #Surat
pic.twitter.com/YQppvzEF8Z
— Darshana Jardosh (@DarshanaJardosh) February 10, 2022
In addition to Surat, three other stations i.e., Vapi, Bharuch and Bilimora are also being developed
as Bullet Train stations. The work on all four stations have been accelerated and is it is expected
to be completed by December 2024.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
The foundation stone of Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project was laid in 2017 and it was
initially slated to be completed by 2023. The project covers a 508-km long corridor for India’s First
Bullet Train which will be run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Of the total length, 155.76 km
track is being constructed in Maharashtra, 384.04 km in Gujarat and 4.3 km in Dadra and Nagar
Haveli. Once completed, the corridor will have stations at Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai,

Thane, Virar, Boisor, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and
Sabarmati.
Also Read: Full List of Indian Railways Bullet Train Corridors: Check for proposed routes,
stations
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project – Fact File

Project Name Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project
Project Authority National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHS
Launched in 2017
Expected Completion December 2024
Railway Corridor Length 508-km
Total Project Cost Rs 1 lakh crore
Foreign Partner Agency Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS):

Centre issues gazette notification to unify 8
existing services
Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS): The Central Government has issued a gazette
notification announcing unification of 8 Existing Services of IRMS under one banner of IRMS -
Indian Railways Management Service. Announced in Cabinet decision of 24th December 2019,
the notification comes two years later formalizing formation of a new Group 'A' Central service
known as the Indian Railway Management Service. The unification of 8 existing services under
Ministry of Railways, is being done to end ‘departmentalism’ in railways and following this
exercise, it would be left only two departments i.e.
- Railway Protection Force (RPF)

- Medical Service Department (MSD)
Gazette notification published for creation of Indian Railways Management Service, a new Group
'A' service in Government of India.#IRMS pic.twitter.com/K9nPeYtak8
— Rahman Sheikh IRTS (@rahmanology) February 10, 2022

Which services are being merged under IRMS?
According to the official gazette notification, a total of 8 Existing Services of the national
transporter Indian Railways is being combined to create the IRMS. These include:
- Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE)

- Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
- Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE)
- Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS)
- Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE)
- Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
- Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
- ndian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS)
IRMS Recruitment Process and Exam
As majority of the services being combined under IRMS deal with Engineering Services, the posts
which will be available for recruitment will also be on the same lines. Candidates should expect

Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Electronics and Telecommunications

Engineers to be hired under IRMS.
As per the announcement, recruitment process for IRMS - Indian Railways Management Service,
will be done through UPSC ESE (Engineering Services Examination) or IES (Indian Engineering
Services) exam. The exam has three key stages as discussed below:
- Prelims Exam: MCQ based screening test – qualified candidates eligible for Mains Exam
- Mains Exam: Descriptive Exam in Offline or Pen-Paper Mode
- Personal Interview: Interview will be a personality test held by a panel of experts
As per the approved cabinet note, the officers of IRMS will be eligible to become the functional
members and chairman/CEO of the railway board.
Also Read: Vinay Kumar Tripathi becomes new Chairman, CEO of Railway Board

Quad Foreign Ministers Meet: EAM S

Jaishankar calls for Free and Open Indo-
Pacific
4th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting: On 11th February 2022, Union External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar attended the Fourth Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting held at Melbourne – Australia.
The meeting was attended by his counter parts from US, Australia and Japan. While representing
India at the Quad Forum, Mr Jaishankar called for a free can open Indo-Pacific and also called
upon the member nations to work to uphold international order based on respect for territorial
integrity, sovereignty, and freedom of navigation.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific
At the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, EAM Jaishankar called for a free and open Indo-
pacific and urged member nations to work towards ensuring a rule-based international order. He
said since their last meeting in Feb 2021, the global geo-political and geo-economic order has
become more complex. He called upon the member nations to work towards rule-based
international order which is free from coercion and respects “territorial integrity and sovereignty,
rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution.”
Appreciate that PM @ScottMorrisonMP met the Quad FMs collectively before we began talks. His
insights and thoughts were valuable.
We are focused on the early and effective realization of our Leaders' vision.
pic.twitter.com/VfKMSRcbdw
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 11, 2022

Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Australia is hosting the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Melbourne. Foreign Ministers from
all 4 members nations of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) – i.e., Australia, India, Japan and
the United States are meeting to discuss global order and rising geo-political and geo-economic
challenges in the global order. Australia was being re-presented by Foreign Minister Marise
Payne who was joined by Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa, and United
States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Melbourne edition of Quad Foreign Ministers Meet is the 4th in the series with the inaugural
meeting being held in New York City in September 2019 followed by 2nd Meeting in Tokyo in
October 2022 and the virtual meeting held in February 2021.
Also Read: India, Denmark inks four MoUs, including on skill development, groundwater
resources
EAM’s Jaishankar 1st Official Visit to Australia
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also on his 1st Official Visit to Australia from 10th to 13th
February 2022. During his visit, Mr Jaishankar will also co-chair the 12th Foreign Ministers'
Framework Dialogue on 12th Febraury 2022. As per MEA statement, during the visit, Ministers
will review the progress of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss
bilateral, multilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
On 12th February, Foreign Ministers of India and Australia will also co-chair the inaugural Foreign
Ministers' Cyber Framework Dialogue (FMCFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
During the dialogue, ministers will assess the implementation of India-Australia Framework
Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation which was signed in
June 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
EAM Jaishankar’s Visit to Philippines
Following this Australia visit, External Affairs Minister will also embark on this 1st Bilateral visit to
Philippines as well from 13 to 15th February 2022. During his visit, Mr Jaishankar will hold
bilateral talks with his counterpart, Teodoro L. Locsin Jr, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the
Philippines. EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Australia and Philippines is being seen as India’s push to
strengthen its bilateral relations with key partners in Indo-Pacific including ASEAN countries.
Also Read: Need of the hour is 'One Earth, One Health': EAM Dr. S Jaishankar at 18th RIC
Foreign Ministers Meet

TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Where to

Watch Live Streaming, Latest Updates on IPL
2022 Sold Players
TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction: The Day 2 of IPL 2022 Mega Auction is here after a dramatic
eye-grabbing Day 1 that saw Ishan Kishan clinching the highest bid of Rs 15.25 crore from
Mumbai Indians and CSK offering Rs 14 crore figure to retain Deepak Chahar.
The other two players who received the top bids include Shreyas Iyer who got a staggering Rs
12.25 crore deal from Kolkata Knight Riders and Shardul Thakur who received Rs 10,75 crore
from Delhi Capitals. These two players along with Ishan Kishan and Deepak Chahar were top four
picks of IPL 2022 Mega Auction Day 1.
The Mega IPL Auction 2022 is witnessing a bidding war between the 10 major teams. The
franchises have not hesitated in loosening their purses for picking up well-performing Indian
players. There are several players who are in the fray on the final day of the mega auction
including Ajinkya Rahane, Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Marnus Labuschagne, Aaron Finch,
Chetan Sakariya, Tymal Mills and Khaleel Ahmed.
Here’s everything you need to know about IPL 2022 Mega Auction, Its Date, Time and
Where and How you can watch it online through Live Streaming.
TATA IPL Auction 2022 Date and Time
The two-day IPL 2022 Auction for 15th Season of the T20 Tournament is underway . It was
scheduled to be held on 12th and 13th February – Saturday and Sunday. The Two day Auction
event will see auction of 590 players shortlisted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI). The day 2 of IPL Auction 2022 began at 12 PM in the afternoon.
Where to Watch IPL Auction 2022 Live Streaming?
For spots fans, the IPL Mega Auction 2022 is a way to watch their dream teams come to life and
see their favourite franchises take new shape for this year’s T20 Tournament. All IPL fans would
want to watch the IPL 2022 Auction Live. IPL Mega Auction 2022 will be streamed live on Sports
Channels and Digital Media Platforms. On TV, fans can watch IPL Auction 2022 live on Star

Sports 3 and Star Sports HD channels. Among Digital Platforms, the IPL 2022 Mega Auction will
be live streamed on Disney+Hotstar.
Also Read: IPL Auction 2022 Players List: Check Players Name, Base Price, and Salary
Cap
IPL 2022 Mega Auction Day 2 Highlights: Latest Updates on Sold Players List
Ajinkya Rahane – 1 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Liam Livingstone – 11.50 crore (Punjab Kings)
Aiden Markram – 2.60 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Vijay Shankar – 1.40 crore (Gujarat Titans)
Odean Smith – 6 crore (Punjab Kings)
Marco Jansen – 4.20 crore (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Shivam Dube – 4 crore (Chennai Super Kings)
Jayant Yadav – 1.70 crore (Gujarat Titans)
Mandeep Singh – 1.10 crore (Delhi Capitals)
Dominic Drakes – 1.10 crore (Gujarat Titans)
Khaleel Ahmed – 5.25 crore (Delhi Capitals)
Chetan Sakariya – 4.20 crore (Delhi Capitals)
Dushmanta Chameera – 2 crore (Lucknow Super Giants)
Navdeep Saini – 2.60 crore (Rajasthan Royals)
Jaydev Unadkat – 1.30 crore (Mumbai Indians)
Money left with Franchises
Mumbai Indians – Rs 25.90 crore
Chennai Super Kings – Rs 15.75 crore
Gujarat Titans – Rs 14.65 crore
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 13.35 crore
Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs11.10 crore

- Ishan Kishan Sold to Mumbai Indians for INR 15.25 Crore

- Deepak Chahar Sold to Chennai Super Kings for INR 14 Crore
- Shardul Thakur Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 10.75 Crore
- Lockie Ferguson Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 10 Crore
- Josh Hazlewood Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 7.75 Crore
- Mark Wood Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 7.5 Crore
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4.2 Crore
- Prasidh Krishna Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 10 Crore
- Nicholas Pooran Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 10.75 Crore
- Dinesh Karthik Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 5.5 Crore
- Jonny Bairstow Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 6.75 Crore
- Micthell Marsh Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 6.5 Crore
- Krunal Pandya Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 8.25 Crore
- Washington Sundar Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 8.75 Crore
- Ambati Rayudu Sold to Chennai Super Kings for INR 8.25 Crore
- Shikhar Dhawan Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 8.25 Crore
- R. Ashwin Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 5 Crore
- Pat Cummins Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 7.25 Crore
- Kagiso Rabada Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 9.25 Crore
- Trent Boult Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 8 Crore
- Mohammed Shami Sold to Gujarat Titans For INR 6.25 Crore
- Shreyas Iyer Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders For INR 12.25 Crore
- David Warner Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 Crore
- Quinton de Kock Sold to Lucknow Super Giant for INR 6.75 Crore
- Faf du Plessis Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 7 Crore
- Manish Pandey Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 4.6 Crore
- Shimron Hetmyer Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 8.5 Crore
- Devdutt Padikkal Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.75 Crore
- Jason Roy Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 2 Crore
- Robin Uthappa Sold to Chennai Super Kings for INR 2 Crore
- Dwayne Bravo Sold to Chennai Super Kings for INR 4.4 Crore
- Harshal Patel Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 10.75 Crore
- Jason Holder Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 8.75 Crore
- Nitish Rana Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 8 Crore
- Deepak Hooda Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 5.75 Crore
- Wanindu Hasaranga Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 5.75 Crore

- T Natarajan Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 4 Crore

- Mustafizur Rahman Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 2 Crore
- Kuldeep Yadav Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 2 Crore
- Rahul Chahar Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 5.25 Crore
- Yuzvendra Chahal Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 6.5 Crore
- Priyam Garg Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20 Lakh
- Abhinav Sadarangani Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 2.6 Crore
- Dewald Brevis Sold to Mumbai Indians for INR 3 Crore
- Ashwin Hebbar Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 20 Lakh
- Rahul Tripathi Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20 lakh.
- Riyan Parag Sold to Rajasthan Royals for Rs 3.8 crore
- Abhishek Sharma Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 6.5 Crore
- Sarfaraz Khan Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 20 lakhs
- Shahrukh Khan Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 9 Crore
- Shivam Mavi Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 7.25 crore
- Rahul Tewatia Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 9 Crore
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti Sold to Delhi Capitals for INR 1.10 Crore
- Harpreet Brar Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 3 crore
- Shahbaz Ahamad Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 2.4 crore
- KS Bharat Sold to Delhi Capitals for 2 Crore
- Anuj Rawat Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for 3.4 Crore
- Prabhsimran Singh Sold to Punjab Kings for 60 Lakh
- Sheldon Jackson Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 60 lakhs
- Jitesh Sharma Sold to Punjab Kings for 20 Lakh
- Basil Thampi Sold to Mumbai Indians for 30 Lakh
- Kartik Tyagi Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for 4 Crore
- Akash Deep Sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for 20 Lakh
- KM Asif Sold to Chennai Super Kings for 20 Lakh
- Avesh Khan Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 Crore
- Ishan Porel Sold to Punjab Kings for INR 25 Lakh
- Tushar Deshpande Sold to Chennai Super Kings for INR 20 Lakh
- Ankit Rajput Sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 55 Lakh
- Noor Ahmed Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 30 Lakh
- Murugan Ashwin Sold to Mumbai Indians for INR 1.6 crore
- KC Cariappa Sold to Rajasthan Royals for INR 30 Lakh

- Shreyas Gopal Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 75 Lakh

- J Suchith Sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20 Lakh
- R Sai Kishore Sold to Gujarat Titans for INR 3 Crore
Read Also: Who is the most expensive player in IPL history?
IPL 2022 Mega Auction Updates: Franchise Representatives on Table
- Mumbai Indians: Nita Ambani (Owner), Akash Ambani (owner), Mahela Jayawardene (Head
Coach), Zaheer Khan (Director of cricket operations), Devang Bhimjyani (MI management),
Rahul Sanghvi (Team Manager), CKM Dhananjai (Team Analyst)
- Chennai Super Kings: Kasi Vishwanathan (CEO), L Balaji (Bowling Coach), Sundar Raman
(Chief Operating Officer), Arvind Sivadas (Analyst), Lakshmi Narayan (Analyst)
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: Prathmesh Mishra (Chairman), Rajesh Menon (Head & VP),
Sanjay Bangar (Head Coach), Malolan Rangarajan (Head Scout), Mike Hesson (Director of
Cricket Operations), Freddie Wilde (Analyst)
- Delhi Capitals: Kiran Kumar Grandhi (Chairman & Co-owner), Parth Jindal (Co-owner),
Vinod Bisht (Interim CEO), Mustafa Ghouse (Director), Saba Karim (Head of Talent Search),
Pravin Amre (Assistant Coach),
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Venky Mysore (CEO), AR Srikanth (Head of Talent Scouting and
Player Acquisitions), Abhishek Nayar (Assistant Coach), Bharat Arun (Assistant Coach),
Aryan Khan, Suhana Khan and Jhanvi Mehta
- Punjab Kings: Ness Wadia (Owner), Mohit Burman (Owner), Anil Kumble (Director of cricket
operations), Satish Menon (Chief executive officer), Ashish Tuli (analyst), Dan Weston
(analyst), Sankar Rajgopal (analyst), LC Gupta (CFO)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kavya Maran (Owner), K Shanmugham (CEO), Tom Moody (Head
coach), Srinath Bashyam (GM), Brian Lara, Muttiah Muralidaran and Simon Katich (Coaching
Staff)
- Rajasthan Royals: Jake Lush McCrum (CEO), Zubin Bharucha (Strategy & Performance
Director), Kumar Sangakkara (Director of Cricket), Giles Lindsay (Head of Analytics and
Technology), Ranjit Barthakur (Chairperson), Romi Bhinder (Team Manager), Panish Shetty
(Analyst)
- Lucknow Supergiants: Sanjiv Goenka (Owner), Shashwat Goenka and Andy Flower (Head
Coach), Gautam Gambhir (Mentor), Raghuram Iyer (CEO)
- Gujarat Titans: Vikram Solanki (Team Director), Ashish Nehra (Head Coach), Gary Kirsten
(Assistant Coach), Aashish Kapoor (Assistant Coach), Amit Soni (CVC), Arvinder Singh
(Chief Operating Officer), Mohit Goyal (Chief Financial Officer), Sandeep Raju (Analyst)

TATA IPL Mega Auction 2022 Live Streaming/Telecast: Here is All You Need to Know
When is IPL 2022 auction?
IPL 2022 Mega Auction is being held on 12th and 13th February – Sat / Sunday from 12 PM
onwards.
What place will IPL 2022 Auction Take Place?
IPL Mega Auction 2022 is scheduled to take place at Bengaluru.
What time does the IPL 2022 Auction Start?
IPL Auction 2022 will start at 12 PM on 12th and 13th February 2022
Where and How to Watch IPL 2022 Auction Live on TV?
IPL 2022 Mega Auction event will be live streamed on Popular Sports TV Channel of Star
Network - Star Sports 3 and Star Sports HD.
Where and How to watch IPL Auction Live Streaming on Internet?
IPL 2022 Auction Live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar OTT Platform. The
event will be webcasted live on the Internet Platform and can be watched from Mobile Phone or
Smart TV with access to Internet.
How many teams are participating in IPL 2022 Auction?
A total of 10 teams will participate in IPL 2022 Mega Action on 12th and 13th February 2022.
Which are the new Teams participating in IPL Auction 2022?
Two New Teams / Franchises participating in IPL 2022 Auction will be Lucknow Super Giants and
Gujarat Titans
How many players are shortlisted for IPL 2022 Auction?
A total of 590 cricketers will be up for auction for IPL 2022. Of the total 590, 228 are capped
players while 335 are uncapped from associate nations.

Players Retained by Franchises ahead of IPL Mega Auction 2022
With the Mega Auction about to get underway soon, it is also important to know which players
have been retained by the Current IPL Franchises from auction process. These players have
been retained and will not be going under the hammer on 12th and 13th IPL Auction 2022.
Team Name Retained Players
Punjab Kings Mayank Agarwal, Arshdeep Singh
Sunrisers Hyderbad Kane Williamson, Umran Malik, Abdul Samad
Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson, Jos Butler, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Royal Challengers
Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohommed Siraj
Bangalore
Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard
Chennai Super Kings Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ruturaj Gaikwad
Kolkata Knight Riders Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine
Delhi Capitals Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje
Lucknow Super Giants KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi
Gujarat Titans Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill
IPL Mega Auction 2022 - Spending Power of Franchises
The players retained by the IPL Teams significantly impact their spending power during the IPL
Mega Auction 2022. The current money or purse available with IPL Teams to spend during the
auction is as follows:
Team Name Purse / Spending Power Available for IPL Auction 2022
Punjab Kings Rs 72 Crores
Sunrisers Hyderabad Rs 68 Crores
Rajasthan Royals Rs 62 Crores
Royal Challengers
Rs 57 Crores
Bangalore
Mumbai Indians Rs 48 Crores
Chennai Super Kings RS 48 Crores
Kolkata Knight Riders Rs 48 Crores
Delhi Capitals Rs 47.50 Crores
Lucknow Super Giants Rs 60 Crores

Gujarat Titans Rs 53 Crores
Also Read: IPL 2022 Schedule – Get Team-wise and Match-wise Schedule Here
Punjab Kings – Rs 10.65 crore
Rajasthan Royals – Rs 9.55 crore
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Rs 9.25 crore
Delhi Capitals – Rs 5.95 crore
Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 3.30 crore
IPL 2022 Mega Auction Day 1 Highlights: Latest Updates on Sold Players List

RailTel wins ICAI Award for excellence in

financial reporting
RailTel has won the ICAI Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year 2020-21 in the
Public Sector Entities Category.
RailTel is a Miniratna Central Government PSU under the Ministry of Railways. The company was
named winner in the category "plaque".
The ICAI award was presented to the awardees by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at a ceremony
held in New Delhi.
What is ICAI?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a premier accounting body of India. It has
been holding the annual competition for the awards since 1958.
ICAI Award
The ICAI Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting was instituted to promote better standards
in the preparation and presentation of information in the financial statements.
What is Financial Reporting?
Financial Reporting includes the preparation and presentation of financial information.
Why is Financial Reporting important?
Financial reporting is important as effective financial reporting plays an important role in driving
the economic growth of a country.
The information provided through annual reports enables relevant stakeholders in taking relevant
investment, business and regulatory decisions.
About RailTel
RailTel Corporation of India Ltd. comes under the ownership of Indian Railways. The PSU mainly

focuses on providing broadband and VPN services.
It was set up in September 2000 to create nationwide broadband, telecom and multimedia
network and modernise train control operation and Indian Railways safety system.
RailTel's network covers all major commercial centres, passing through around 5,000 stations
across the country.
The company has continued to be a profitable company since Financial Year 2006-07. It
managed to record rapid growth even amid the COVID-19 pandemic by recording its
highest ever consolidated income in FY 2020-21 of Rs 1,411 Crore.
The company has not only seen a growth in its revenue but also its order book and currently has
a healthy order book of around Rs 5,300 crore.
Speaking about the ICAI award, RailTel CMD Puneet Chawla said that after RailTel became a
listed company, the responsibility of reporting the financial performance of the company in a fair
and transparent manner has assumed greater significance. He said that the award has confirmed
that the company is on the right track in this regard.

Current Affairs Today Headline - 11 February

2022
Today Current Affairs Headline - 11 February 2022: This Friday, the top headline on front
pages is about UP Elections Phase 1 in which over 60% polling was reported by the EC. On
COVID front, India continues to report strong recovery with new cases being reported falling to
58,077. In sports, India will take on WI in the final ODI in Ahmedabad Today. From PM Modi’s
address to One Ocean Summit to EAM Jaishankar’s Quad Foreign Minister’s Meeting, here are
some of the top headlines, news and events that will dominate the headlines this Friday.
National News
UP Elections – 60% Polling in Phase 1: Uttar Pradesh recorded 60% voting in the 1st Phase of
of Assembly Elections held on 10th February 2022. During the 1s Phase, votes were cast in in 58
Assembly Constituencies spread over 11 districts.
India COVID-19 Update: India reported 58,077 new Covid cases, 657 deaths in last 24 hours.
During the same period, the country saw 1,50,407 recoveries.
Manipur Election Dates Revised: Election Commission has revised the dates for Manipur
Election 2022. The 1st Phase of election will take place on 28th February 2022, followed by 2nd
Phase will be held on 5th March 2022.
Prez to inaugurate Darbar Hall: President Ram Nath Kovid to inaugurate the newly constructed
Darbar Hall at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The newly renovated Durbar Hall has overall seating
capacity of 750 as against previous 225. Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief
Minister Uddhav Thackeray, his deputy Ajit Pawar will be attending the inauguration ceremony
today.
Mughal Gardens to Open: Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open for the public
from 12th February 2022 - Saturday. The gardens will remain open till 16th March and people can
visit between 10 AM to 5 PM except on Mondays.
International News
PM’s Address to One Ocean Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the

OneOceanSummit at around 2:30 PM today through video message. The Summit will also see
addresses from other Heads of States and Governments including Germany, United Kingdom,
South Korea, Japan & Canada among others.
EAM Jaishankar @ Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
will represent India in crucial Quad foreign ministers meeting to be held today. The meeting will
also be attended by his counter parts from America, Australia and Japan.
Russia – Ukraine Row: Media reports have confirmed that Russia and Ukraine have failed to
reach any in the peace talks being led by French and German officials. The talks are being held to
try and resolve the eight-year separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Sports News
India vs WI Final ODI Today: The 3rd and Final ODI between India and West Indies will be
played today at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Match is being held in Day-Night
format and is slated to begin at 1:30 PM. India currently leads 2-0 in the 3-match series.
India beat SA in FIH Pro Hockey League: India beat South Africa by 10-2 in their second match
of the FIH Pro Hockey League. India will play France next, in the second match of the two-leg tie
on Saturday.
2022 World Tennis Tournament: Felix Auger-Aliassime – World No 3, continued to dominate at

the 2022 World Tennis Tournament beating former World No 1 Andy Murray.
Also Read: Current Affairs Daily Quiz: 10 February 2022

Most Congested Cities in the World 2021:

Mumbai ranked 5th, Bengaluru 10th, Delhi
11th, Pune 21st
Most congested city in the world 2021: Mumbai has been ranked as the fifth most congested
city in the world 2021, as per TomTom's 2021 Traffic Index released on February 9, 2022.
Bengaluru has been ranked as the 10th most congested city in the world, while Delhi is ranked
11th and Pune 21st among 404 cities across 58 countries in the world.
Mumbai and Bengaluru have been ranked among the top 10 congested cities in the world despite
pandemic restrictions and lockdowns keeping the traffic down for the most part.
Which is the most congested city in the world 2021, as per the report?
Istanbul has been ranked as the most congested city in the world in 2021, followed by Moscow at
second place.
Most congested city in India
Mumbai is the most congested city in India in 2021 as per the report, followed by Bengaluru
and Delhi. The congestion level in Delhi fell by 14 percent in 2021 in comparison to 2019, while in
Mumbai, it dropped by 18 percent.
The congestion level in Bengaluru and Pune dropped by 32 percent and 29 percent respectively
in 2021, as per the report.
Overall, India's congestion level was 23 percent lower in 2021 in comparison to pre-COVID times,
showing a 31 percent decline during peak hours.
In the 2020 report, three Indian cities- Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi had made it into the top 10
congested cities in the world list with Mumbai ranked 2nd, Bengaluru ranked 6th and Delhi ranked
8th.
Overall, as per TomTom’s data, over 387 out of the total 404 cities analyzed displayed lowered

congestion levels in 2021 than in 2019.
Top 10 most congested cities in the world in 2021
Rank City Congestion Rate
1 Istanbul, Turkey 62 percent
2 Moscow, Russia 54 percent
3 Kyiv, Ukraine 56 percent
4 Bogota, Colombia 55 percent
5 Mumbai, India 53 percent
6 Odessa, Ukraine 51 percent
7 Saint Petersburg, Russia 50 percent
8 Bucharest, Romania 50 percent
9 Novosibirsk, Russia 48 percent

10 Bengaluru, India 48 percent
TomTom’s 2021 Traffic Index
The index shines a light on the world’s most congested cities. It shows how the reopening from
COVID-19 lockdowns have affected congestion in our cities.
The 2021 Index covers 404 cities across 58 countries on six continents. The Index ranks urban
congestion worldwide and provides free access to city-by-city information.

India bans import of foreign drones
Drone import banned in India: The Indian government has banned the import of foreign drones
to promote Made in India drones with immediate effect on February 9, 2022. The import of drones
for research and development, defence and security purposes will though be allowed.
The import of drone components, however, has not been banned and will not require any
approvals, informed the civil aviation ministry on February 9, 2022.
The Civil Aviation Ministry tweeted informing that the move aims to promote made-in-India
drones. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the commerce and industry
ministry issued a notification banning the import of foreign drones.
The notification read "Import policy for drones in CBU (Completely Built-Up)/CKD (Completely
Knocked Down)/SKD (Semi Knocked Down ) form... is prohibited with exceptions provided for R
and D, defence and security purposes."
Govt of India bans import of foreign drones to promote Made in India drones
Import of drones for R&D, defence, and security purposes to be allowed
Import of drone components, however, not to require any approvals

Exception
The importance of drones by government entities and educational institutions recognised by

central or state government, the government recognised research entities and drone
manufacturers will be allowed in CBU, SKD or CKD form. It will though be subject to import
authorisation issued by DGFT.
The import of drones for defence and security purposes will also be allowed subject to approval
from the DGFT.
In order to promote Made in India drones, import of foreign drones has been prohibited by DGFT
with immediate effect on 9.2.2022.
Exceptions have been provided for import of drones for R&D, defence and security purposes; but

with due clearances. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/os1NfExVKp
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 10, 2022

Drone Rules 2021
India announced new Drone Rules 2021 in August 2021, as per which no security clearance will
be required before registration for the operation of drones.
The fees for permission to operate drones in India have also been reduced to the nominal level.
The centre plans to develop drone corridors for cargo deliveries.
The coverage of drones has also been increased from 300 kg to 500 kg to include heavy payload-
carrying drones and drone taxis. The maximum penalty has also been reduced to Rs 1 lakh.
Read more about Drone Rules 2021 here
Background
With the latest announcement, India's domestic drone manufacturing industry is expected to grow
to Rs 9 billion in coming three years. The Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said
recently that the combined turnover of the industry could grow to nearly Rs 150 billion by 2026.
This is in line with India's goal to emerge as a global drone hub by 2030.

UP Elections 2022: Phase I voting begins, 58

seats go to polls
UP Elections 2022: The voting for the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022
began on February 10, 2022. Under Phase 1, 58 seats are going to the polls and 623 candidates
are in the fray.
The UP Assembly phase I polling is taking place with strict COVID measures in place including
social distancing, the mandatory wearing of masks and thermal scanning at the entry gates.
Model polling booths have been established and paramilitary forces have been deployed and
videography is being done at all polling booths. At least 129 Company Force of CAPF have been
deployed at all booths in Agra.
A first-time voter, Zikra, casted her vote in the first phase of UP Elections 2022 at a polling booth
in Kairana. She said, "It is important to exercise your voting right. I feel good after casting my
vote."
Zikra, a first time voter, casts her vote in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections, along with her
family at a polling booth in Kairana.
She says, "It is important to exercise your voting right. I feel good after casting my vote."
pic.twitter.com/18pHCv2cV4

UP Elections 2022 Phase 1: Key Details
• The first phase of UP polls 2022 covers 58 assembly constituencies across 11 districts of the
state. Around 623 candidates are in the fray.
• The 11 districts include Agra, Aligarh, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Mathura, Meerut, Ghaziabad,
Shamli, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat and Bulandshahar.
• The voting started at 7 am and will conclude at 6:00 pm.
• The voting is taking place at 25,849 polling stations and 10,766 polling centres.

People queue up at Jain Inter College in Baghpat as they cast their votes for the first phase of
#UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/0bY5UNDIp0

Strict security arrangements
The state police have sealed the borders of the state and strict vigilance is underway in order to
maintain peace in 58 constituencies where elections are underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all the voters in Uttar Pradesh to participate enthusiastically
in the polling while following the necessary COVID-19 guidelines.
UP Assembly Election 2022 Schedule
The 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to go to polls in seven phases, starting
from February 10th. The result will be announced on March 10th.
UP Assembly Election 2022 Dates: February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27, March 3 and 7.
Check UP Election Polling Date, Time and Schedule Updates Here

RBI Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Review: RBI

projects real GDP Growth at 7.8% for FY23,
Repo rate unchanged at 4%,
The Reserve Bank of India has projected real GDP growth at 7.8 percent for the fiscal year 2022-
23, informed RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das while announcing RBI's bi-monthly monetary policy
decisions on February 10, 2022.
RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had begun its three-day deliberations on February 8th
instead of 7th due to the Maharashtra government's decision to declare February 7 as a public
holiday to mourn the passing of the singing legend Lata Mangeshkar.
The RBI has decided to continue its accommodative stance and has kept the repo rate
unchanged at 4 percent and the reverse repo rate unchanged at 3.35 percent. The CPI inflation
projection has been retained at 5.3% for FY 2021-22 and 4.5% for FY 2022-23.
CPI inflation projection retained at 5.3% for FY 2021-22, and 4.5% for FY 2022-23: RBI

Impact of COVID Waves
The RBI Governor stated that the pandemic holds the global economy hostage once again. He
said, despite signs of moderation, record numbers of daily infections in several countries and
containment measures are impacting the pace of economic activity, especially in contact-intensive
sectors and causing supply disruptions.
The evolving macroeconomic environment is being rendered highly uncertain by divergent

monetary policy intentions and actions and financial market volatility and geo-political tensions are
adding layers of ambivalence to the outlook.
The RBI Governor noted that India is charting a different course of recovery from the rest of the
world and India is poised to grow at the fastest pace year-on-year among major economies, as
per projections by IMF. Das stated that this recovery will be supported by large-scale vaccination
and sustained fiscal and monetary support.

"Protecting life is paramount and protecting livelihood is rising in the hierarchy of

priorities," Shaktikanta Das said, adding that the focus is on securing the economic and financial
conditions of the most vulnerable population. He added that the effort is to limit the extent of
disruptions to economic activity.
Monetary Policy Committee: Key Decisions
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on February 8th, 9th and 10th to assess the current
macroeconomic situation and take key decisions.
The MPC voted by a majority of 5 to 1 to continue with its accommodative stance as long as
necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis, while ensuring that inflation remains
within target.
It voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 4 percent, marginal
standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate unchanged at 4.25 percent and reverse repo
rate unchanged at 3.35 percent.
Inflation
The MPC noted that consumer price inflation has risen higher since its last meeting but still along
the anticipated lines. The recent increase in inflation in December was due to unfavourable base
effects despite a month-on-month decline in prices. Though there is softening in food prices, the
core inflation remains elevated and there is a renewed surge in international crude oil prices. The
headline inflation is expected to peak in the fourth quarter of FY 2021-22 within the tolerance
band and reach closer to the target in the second half of FY 2022-23.
The MPC noted that while output is just barely above its pre-pandemic level, private consumption
is still lagging. Overall, after reviewing the current outlook for inflation and growth and the
uncertainties related to Omicron and global spillovers, the MPC was of the view that continued
policy support is required to enable a durable and broad-based recovery.
The MPC has retained inflation projection for 2021-22 at 5.3 percent, with Q4 at 5.7 percent.
The CPI inflation for 2022-23 is projected at 4.5 percent with the first quarter of FY 23 projected at
4.9 percent, Q2 at 5.0 percent, Q3 at 4.0 percent and Q4 at 4.2 percent, with risks broadly
balanced.
Domestic Growth

The MPC noted that private, which is the mainstay of domestic demand, continues to trail behind
the pre-pandemic level. In addition, the continuous increase in international commodity prices
along with a surge in the volatility of global financial markets and supply bottlenecks can increase
risks to the economic outlook.
However, the Indian government’s thrust on capital expenditure and exports are expected to
enhance productive capacity and strengthen aggregate demand. It is also expected to increase
private investment. RBI's policy actions are expected to further provide an impetus to investment
activity.
Overall, domestic growth drivers are gradually improving and considering all these factors, RBI
has projected real GDP growth at 7.8 percent for the fiscal year 2022-23 with Q1:2022-23 at
17.2 percent; Q2 at 7.0 percent; Q3 at 4.3 percent and Q4 at 4.5 percent.
Liquidity and Financial Market Conditions
India's financial sector has remained fully functional amid the COVID crisis and has anchored the
process of recovery and as per RBI's assessment, its policy actions have yielded the desired
results in a smooth and orderly manner.
The policymakers, however, face daunting challenges as recovery from the pandemic remains
incomplete amid geo-political tensions, elevated by crude oil prices and
persistent supply bottlenecks.
The Reserve Bank of India has been and will continue to insulate the domestic economy and
financial markets from these spillovers. The RBI will continue to focus on smooth completion of
the government borrowing programme and it is expected that market participants will engage
responsibly and contribute to cooperative outcomes that benefit all.


2022
National News
President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Maharashtra and Telangana between February 10-14.
Indian government bans import of foreign drones to promote Made in India drones.UP
Assembly Phase 1 polling begins today today for 58 seats in 11 districts, 623 candidates in fray.
Atal Tunnel officially certified by World Book of Records as ‘World’s Longest Highway Tunnel
above 10,000 Feet’.
Karnataka High Court's single bench comprising of Justice Krishna Dixit refers petitions
challenging the Hijab ban in colleges to a larger bench.
Mumbai is the 5th most congested city in the world in 2021, Delhi is ranked 11th and
Bengaluru is ranked 10th, according to TomTom Traffic Index's global top 25 list.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to be on a two-day visit to Goa from February 10-11 ahead of
Goa Assembly Polls 2022.
India reports 67,084 new COVID19 cases, 1,67,882 recoveries and 1,241 deaths in the last 24
hours.
International News
Oscar 2022 participants will not be required to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof.
Nepal's Pashupatinath Temple to reopen for devotees from February 11, only 50 devotees to be
allowed to enter the temple at one time.
A 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine likely to be recommended to protect against Omicron variant,
US Chief Medical Adviser Anthony Fauci.
Iran's foreign minister welcomed US sanctions relief intended to get Iran back in the 2015 nuclear

deal, but called it insufficient.
Sports News
India beat West Indies by 44 runs in the second ODI of the three match series at Narendra
Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Indian Men's Hockey team rode beat hosts South Africa 10-2 in their second match at the FIH
Hockey Pro League 2021-22 on February 9,2022.
Rohit Sharma retained third rank, closes in on Virat Kohli in ICC ODI batting rankings after
gaining valuable points from his half century against West Indies in the first ODI.

ISRO successfully launches EOS-04 radar

imaging satellite, two others
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched earth observation
satellite EOS-04 along with two other smaller passenger satellites aboard Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle at 5.59 am on February 14, 2022 from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan
Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
ISRO tweeted after the launch saying, "India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52
injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04, into an intended sun-synchronous polar orbit
of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February 14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota."
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 injected Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04,
into an intended sun synchronous polar orbit of 529 km altitude at 06:17 hours IST on February
14, 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. https://t.co/BisacQP8Qf
— ISRO (@isro) February 14, 2022

#WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation launches PSLV-C52/EOS-04 from Satish
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
(Source: ISRO) pic.twitter.com/g92XSaHP9r
This was ISRO's first launch mission of 2022 and PSLV’s 54th flight. The launch comes almost six
months after ISRO's GSLV-F10/EOS-03 mission failed on August 12, 2021. As per ISRO, the
mission failed after the cryogenic upper stage ignition did not happen due to a technical anomaly.
PSLV-C52 mission
The radar-imaging satellite, weighing 1710 kg, was deployed into a sun-synchronous polar orbit of
529 km around 17 minutes after liftoff. Besides the earth observation satellite EOS-04, the
mission also carried two small satellites as co-passengers, which were injected into the orbit a
minute later.
The two passenger satellites include:

INSPIREsat-1: It is a student satellite from Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST)
in association with University of Colorado's Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics.
INS-2TD: This is a technology demonstrator satellite (INS-2TD) from ISRO, a precursor to India-
Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B).
EOS-04 Satellite
The EOS-04 satellite, also known as RISAT1, is a Radar Imaging Satellite. It has been designed
to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions. The images will be used for
applications such as agriculture, soil moisture and hydrology, forestry & plantations and flood
mapping.
The countdown process of 25 hours and 30 minutes leading to the launch of the mission will
begin at 04:29 hours on February 13th after getting a go-ahead from ISRO's Launch Authorization
Board.

ICC Player of the Month January

2022: Keegan Petersen, Heather Knight ICC
Players of the Month for January
ICC Player of the month January 2022: South African batsman Keegan Petersen and England
skipper Heather Knight were announced as ICC Players of the Month for January 2022 by the
International Cricket Council (ICC) on February 14, 2022.
Keegan Petersen pipped compatriot and South Africa's under-19 star Dewald Brevis and
Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain to win the ICC men's Player of the Month award for January
2022. Petersen had played a crucial role in helping his team win the home test series against
India.
England skipper Heather Knight claimed the ICC Women's Player of the Month award, beating off
competition from Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and West Indies cricketer Deandra
Dottin.
Keegan Petersen's exploits in the #SAvIND #BetwayTestSeries earned him the ICC Player Of
The Month for January 2022 #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/cqHKIMA5ag
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 14, 2022
Gujarat Titans new name of Ahmedabad IPL team- Check Ahmedabad captain, players list
IPL 2022 Auction Date and Time Announced: Know When and Where to Watch LIVE
The nominees for ICC Player of the month for January 2022 include the following
cricketers:
ICC Men's Player of the Month January 2022 nominees
Dewald Brevis, South Africa U19: The South African Under 19 Player is one of the nominees
for ICC player of the month for January 2022 courtesy his brilliant all-round performance in the
ICC U-19 World Cup 2022. Dewald Brevis, nicknamed 'Baby AB', finished as the highest run-
scorer of the tournament with 506 runs with two centuries and three fifties in six matches. He also
picked up seven wickets, which led him to win the Player of the Tournament title.

Ebadot Hossain, Bangladesh: The Bangladeshi bowler picked up nine wickets in the two tests
against New Zealand in January. His figures included 6/46 in the first test that led Bangladesh to
register a historic victory against New Zealand. He won the player of the match title for his
outstanding performance.
Keegan Petersen, South Africa: The South African batsman scored a total of 244 runs during
the home Test series against India, helping his team register a series win at home. He was
named player of the series.
ICC Women's Player of the Month January 2022 nominees
Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka: The Sri Lankan captain has been nominated for player of the
month for delivering outstanding all-round performances in the Commonwealth Games Qualifiers
in January. She finished as the leading run-scorer in the tournament with a total of 221 runs and
picked up four wickets. She not only helped her team win the tournament but also sealed their
place as the eighth team in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this year, as the sport
returns to the event for the first time since 1998.
Deandra Dottin, West Indies: The West Indies batter put up a splendid performance in the ODI
series against South Africa in January by scoring 187 runs in two matches, including an unbeaten
150.
Heather Knight, England: The England skipper scored a total of 216 runs, including an
unbeaten 168 runs in the first innings of England's sole test match against Australia in Women's
Ashes in Canberra. It was the second-highest score by a captain in the history of Women’s Tests.
The match ended in a draw after Australia put up a great fight.

Jammu and Kashmir first UT to be integrated

with National Single Window System
Jammu & Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to be integrated with the National Single
Window System (NSWS). The J&K Single Window Clearance System was launched by
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This will be a major leap in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in
the Union Territory.
The National Single Window System has been linked with the India Industrial Land Bank (IILB),
which hosts 45 industrial parks of Jammu and Kashmir. The move will help investors to discover
available land parcels in J&K.
The move will eliminate the need for investors to visit multiple platforms to gather information and
obtain clearances from different stakeholders.
Read more: Govt warns Google Chrome users against 'High-severity' Cyber Attack
What is National Single Window System (NSWS)?
India's National Single Window System is a digital platform that has been built as an advisory
guide to help investors identify and apply for approvals as per their business requirements.
Around 32 central departments and 14 states have been integrated on the system including the
Corporate Affairs Ministry, Commerce Ministry, Civil Aviation Ministry, Ministry of Labour and
Employment, Agriculture Ministry, Petroleum Ministry, Environment Ministry and Health Ministry.
Currently, the portal hosts applications for 142 approvals from central departments. The investors
can check regarding all the approvals and schemes on the portal.
The National Single Window System was announced in the 2020 Union Budget Presentation. The
platform was soft-launched in September 2021 by the Union Commerce and Industry Minister
Piyush Goyal.
How to access National Single Window System?
The National Single Window System platform can be accessed by visiting www.nsws.gov.in.

States integrated with NSWS
The 14 states that are integrated with the National Single Window System include Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Karnataka,
Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
Jammu & Kashmir is the only union territory to be integrated with the National Single Window
System so far.
Background
The NSWS portal has over 16,800 visitors as of now, out of which 7,500 know your approval
queries have been serviced. Over 1,250 investors have registered on the portal.

Next Covid variant likely to be more

infectious, possibly deadlier: WHO
Next COVID-19 variant will be more transmissible and perhaps even more deadly than its
predecessors, warn experts. This comes as the world is just starting to recover from the latest,
highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19.
World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist and technical lead on Covid-19 Dr Maria Van
Kerkhove stressed in a recent interview that the pandemic is far from over.
Dr. Van Kerkhove warned that future variants will be in some way more virulent than Omicron is
now. She said that the next variant of concern will be more fit, which means that it will be more
transmissible because it will have to overtake what is currently circulating.
What are potential future scenarios on #COVID19 and #Omicron? WHO's Dr @mvankerkhove
explains. pic.twitter.com/joaHlgmLKi
— World Health Organization Philippines (@WHOPhilippines) February 6, 2022

Omicron not last COVID-19 variant
The World Health Organisation warned against complacency in following COVID-19 protocol
saying that Omicron will not be the last variant of COVID-19.
Will next variant be more severe?
According to WHO epidemiologist Dr. Van Kerkhove, "the big question is whether or not future
variants will be more or less severe."
Next variant could easily evade immunity?
Dr. Van Kerkhove further warned that the next variant could easily evade immunity, making
vaccines less effective. However, she stressed on the importance of getting the COVID-19
vaccine, as it protects against severe illness and death, as exhibited during the Omicron wave.
She added saying that with the right interventions, the circulation of Covid-19 will be low but even
within those circulations, there might be flare-ups among unvaccinated people or those with
waning immunity.

WHO also warned that the world may see seasonal patterns for infection surges, as the COVID-
19 virus is a respiratory pathogen.

Oscar Nominations 2022: 94th Academy

Awards Announced - See Full List Of Oscar
Nominees Here
Oscar Nominations 2022: With the announcement of Nominations for 94th Academy Awards,
OSCARS Fever is BACK! The Academy released the complete list of Oscar Nominations 2022
which is dominated by Jane Campion Directed ‘The Power Of The Dog’ leading the nominations
race with 12 nominations including in key categories of Best Film, Best Director as well as Best
Actor for Benedict Cumberbatch. It is closely followed by Dune with 10 Nominations and West
Side Story and Belfast with 7 Nominations each. The Oscar Nominations 2022 were announced
by Leslie Jordan and Tracee Ellis Ross in a live stream which was available Globally. They
announced nominations in 23 categories. The 94th Academy Awards Ceremony will be held on
27th March 2022 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.
Indian Documentary ‘Writing with Fire’ Among Final Nominations
In some good news for Indian Audiences, Delhi-based filmmakers Rintu Thomas and Sushmit
Ghosh’s documentary, ‘Writing with Fire’, has been nominated for the 94th Academy Awards. In
fact, ‘Writing with Fire’ is India’s 1st independent production to make it to the final nomination in
this category. The Documentary film competed against a pool of 138 other Documentaries and
was among the 15 shortlisted films for the Final Nominations.
True story - your Documentary Feature nominees are... #Oscar pic.twitter.com/wCvJ0Ao6Jr
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 8, 2022
Terming the Oscar Nominations as a landmark moment for India, Sushmit Ghosh while interacting
with media said ““We are beyond delighted. This is a massive moment for us and for Indian
cinema. This is the first time an Indian documentary has been nominated for an Academy Award,
so it has made history. This film is about fearless Dalit women journalists who are redefining what
being powerful means, quintessentially the story of the modern Indian woman.”
Let’s check out the complete list of Oscar Nominations 2022!
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Picture

The 94th Academy Awards Nomination for Best Picture spans across 10 films. These 10 films are
competing competing to take home the most prestigious award in film, the Oscar for Best Picture
which will be revealed on 27th March. Check out the Oscar Nominations for Best Picture Below:
Movie Producers
Belfast Laura Berwick, Kenneth Branagh, Becca Kovacik and Tamar Thomas
CODA Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi and Patrick Wachsberger
Don't Look Up Adam McKay and Kevin Messick
Drive My Car Teruhisa Yamamoto
Dune Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter
King Richard Tim White, Trevor White and Will Smith
Licorice Pizza Sara Murphy, Adam Somner and Paul Thomas Anderson
Nightmare Alley Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Bradley Cooper
The Power of the Jane Campion, Tanya Seghatchian, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and
Dog Roger Frappier
West Side Story Steven Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Actor
For Best Actor Category, the Academy has finalized 5 Nominations. The nominees for Best Actor
in a Leading Role Category for Oscars 2022 are: Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, Will
Smith, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington.
Actor Movie
Javier Bardem Being the Ricardos
Benedict Cumberbatch The Power of the Dog
Andrew Garfield Tick, Tick...BOOM!
Will Smith King Richard
Denzel Washington The Tragedy of Macbeth
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Actress
The Oscar Nominations for Category of Actress in a Leading Role for Oscars 2022 sees 5 leading
ladies compete for the top honours. The nominations include Olivia Colman, Jessica Chastain,
Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz and Kristen Stewart.
Actress Movie
Jessica Chastain The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Olivia Coleman The Lost Daughter

Penelope Cruz Parallel Mothers
Nicole Kidman Being the Ricardos
Kristen Stewart Spencer
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Director
The category of Best Directors has seen 5 Oscar Nominations being finalized. These include
Kenneth Branagh for Belfast, Paul Thomas Anderson for Licorice Pizza, Jane Champion for The
Power or Dog and Ryusuke Hamaguchi for Drive My Car and Legendary Steven Spielberg for the
West Side Story.
Director Movie
Paul Thomas Anderson Licorice Pizza
Kenneth Branagh Belfast
Jane Campion The Power of the Dog
Ryusuke Hamaguchi Drive My Car
Steven Spielberg West Side Story
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Supporting Actor
In the category of Best Supporting Actor, the Academy has finalized 5 actors as the final Oscar
Nominations for 2022 Academy Awards. Kodi Smit-McPhee and Jesse Plemmons have bagged
one nomination each for the film ‘The Power or Dog’. Other Oscar nominees in this category are
Ciaran Hinds for Belfast, Troy Kotsur for CODA and JK Simons for Being the Ricardos.
Actor Movie
Ciaran Hinds Belfast
Troy Kotsur CODA
Jesse Plemmons The Power of the Dog
J.K. Simmons Being the Ricardos
Kodi Smit-McPhee The Power of the Dog
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Best Supporting Actress
In the Category of Best Supporting Actress, 5 actresses have been nominated for the Awards.
The nominees include Aunjanue Ellis for King Richard, Kirsten Dunst for The Power of Dog, Judi

Dench for Belfast, Ariana DeBose for West Side Story and Jessie Buckley for The Lost Daughter.
Actress Movie
Jessie Buckley The Lost Daughter
Ariana DeBose West Side Story
Judi Dench Belfast
Kirsten Dunst The Power of the Dog
Aunjanue Ellis King Richard
Oscar Nominations 2022 for Other Categories
Nominations in Other Categories for 94th Academy Awards ceremony 2022 are as follows:
Best Original Screenplay
- Belfast
- Don't Look Up
- King Richard
- Licorice Pizza
- The Worst Person in the World
Best Adapted Screenplay
- CODA
- Drive My Car
- Dune
- The Lost Daughter
- The Power of the Dog
- Best Animated Feature Film
- Encanto
- Flee
- Luca
- The Mitchells vs the Machines
- Raya and the Last Dragon
Best Documentary Film
- Ascension
- Attica
- Flee
- Summer of Soul

- Writing With Fire

Best Documentary Short
- Audible
- Lead Me Home
- The Queen of Basketball
- Three Songs for Benazir
- When We Were Bullies
Best Live Action Short
- Ala Kachuu - Take and Run

- The Dress
- The Long Goodbye
- On My Mind
- Please Hold
Best Animated Short
- Affairs of the Art

- Bestia Boxballet
- Robin Robin
- The Windshield Wiper
Best Animated Feature
- Encanto
- Flee
- Luca
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines
- Raya and the Last Dragon
Best International Feature Film
- Drive My Car - Japan

- Flee - Denmark
- The Hand of God - Italy
- Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom - Bhutan
- The Worst Person in the World - Norway
Best Original Song
Song Movie

No Time to Die Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell - No Time to Die

Be Alive Beyonce Darius Scott - King Richard
Dos Oruguitas Lin-Manuel Miranda - Encanto
Down to Joy Van Morrison - Belfast
Somehow You Do Diane Warren - Four Good Days
Best Original Score
- Don't Look Up (Nicholas Britell)

- Dune (Hans Zimmer)
- Encanto (Germaine Franco)
- Parallel Mothers (Alberto Iglesias)
- The Power of the Dog (Jonny Greenwood)
Best Sound
- Belfast
- Dune
- No Time to Die
- The Power of the Dog
- West Side Story
Best Production Design
- Dune (Zsuzsanna Sipos and Patrice Vermette)

- Nightmare Alley (Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau)
- The Power of the Dog (Grant Major & Amber Richards)
- The Tragedy of Macbeth (Stefan Dechant & Nancy Haigh)
- West Side Story (Rena DeAngelo and Adam Stockhausen)
Best Cinematography
- Dune (Greig Fraser)

- Nightmare Alley (Dan Lausten)
- The Power of the Dog (Ari Wegner)
- The Tragedy of Macbeth (Bruno Delbonnel)
- West Side Story (Janusz Kaminski)
Best Makeup And Hair
- The Eyes of Tammy Faye

- House of Gucci

- Coming 2 America
- Cruella
- Dune
Best Costume Design
- Cruella (Jenny Beavan)

- Cyrano (Massimo Cantini Parrini)
- Dune (Jacqueline West)
- Nightmare Alley (Luis Sequeira)
- West Side Story (Paul Tazewell)
Best Film Editing
- Don't Look Up (Hank Corwin)

- Dune (Joe Walker)
- King Richard (Pamela Martin)
- The Power of the Dog (Peter Sciberras)
- Tick, Tick... Boom! (Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum)
Best Visual Effects
- Dune
- Free Guy
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- No Time to Die
- Spider-Man: No Way Home


2022
National News
Power outage in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad on February 9, 2022, due to a technical fault, causing
inconvenience to citizens.
Indian Army launches operation to rescue young boy stranded on a mountain cliff in Kerala.
India reports 71,365 new COVID cases and 1217 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Tripura launches special immunization drive for expectant mothers and children to cover the
population that did not receive COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Gujarat government launches new IT/ITeS policy to generate 1 lakh jobs in the next five years.
Glenmark launches FabiSpray in India for treatment of adult COVID-19 patients.
International News
Next Covid-19 variant to be more infectious and possibly deadlier than Omicron, warns World
Health Organisation.
A Taliban delegation arrived in Geneva on February 8, 2022 for a week-long talks on

humanitarian access and human rights.
French President Macron says that there are 'concrete, practical solutions' to end Russia-Ukraine
tensions.
Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" leads Oscars nominations with 12 Academy Award
nominations.
US approves USD 100 million support contract with Taiwan to boost missile defense systems
against China.
China non-committal on return of 23,000 Indian students after over two years in the COVID-19

pandemic.
Nepal government report accuses China of encroaching into Nepal along the two countries'
shared border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ready for compromise with the West amid Russia-Ukraine
tensions.
Sports News
FIFA inundated with requests for 17 million applications for 2022 World Cup tickets.
Indian women's cricket team lose by 18 runs against New Zealand in one-off T20I series.
Indian men's hockey team beat France 5-0 to record a comprehensive win in FIH Hockey Pro
League.
The Ranji Trophy teams have been asked to cut squad size to 30. The first round of the
tournament will be held between February 17-20.

Govt warns Google Chrome users against

'High-severity' Cyber Attacks, Here's How to
check if you are Safe!
Govt’s ‘High-severity’ Warning For Google Chrome: With cyber attacks being a major concern
nowadays, the Central Government has recently issued a Warning for Google Chrome Users.
Govt’s Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issues a ‘High Severity’ warning
against users who are currently using Google Chrome to surf the internet. The warning said that
there is a major vulnerability in Google Chrome that has made it a target for hackers. With the
warning, CERT-In has also given a few steps through which users can safeguard themselves and
take preventive steps to overcome any security bugs and vulnerabilities.
What does Govt’s Warning about Google Chrome Say?
Recently, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the government agency
dealing with cyber security threats, issued a ‘High Severity’ warning against a bug found in
Google Chrome’s earlier version. The warning was issued for Google Chrome versions prior to
98.0.4758.80. Any user who has version prior to this installed on their system will be exposed to
cyberattacks and security threats. The warning says “Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported
in Google Chrome which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted
system.”
The advisory from CERT-In further adds that “These vulnerabilities exist in Google Chrome due to
Use after free in Safe Browsing, Reader Mode, Web Search, Thumbnail Tab, Strip, Screen
Capture, Window Dialog, Payments, Extensions, Accessibility and Cast; Heap buffer overflow in
ANGLE; Inappropriate implementation in Full-Screen Mode, Scroll, Extensions Platform and
Pointer Lock; Type Confusion in V8;Policy bypass in COOP and Out of bounds memory access in
V8.”
What does Google Say about Chrome Bug?
Following the identification of security bugs in its version, Google has released an update for
Google Chrome on 6th January 2022 which addresses this concern. The Internet Giant has
released “Chrome 98 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac, and Linux” as per the official

release. Google’s official Blog about the release update says that a number of fixes and
improvements — a list of changes is available in the log.
How to safeguard yourself against Cyberattacks on Google Chrome?
Along with identifying and issuing warning against Google Chrome’s earlier versions; the CERT-In
has also given a solution so that users can remain safe against Cyberattacks. The agency has
recommended users to check the current version of Google Chrome and if it is found to be
98.0.4758.80 or earlier the same should be updated at the earliest. The step-wise guide to
upgrade Google Chrome is provided below:
- Step 1: Open Google Chrome Browser

- Step 2: In the top right menu find and click on 3 dots to bring up detailed menu
- Step 3: Find and click on Settings option from the menu
- Step 4: Click on Three Lines in Top Left Corner and Click on About Chrome
- Step 5: Your Phone or Laptop will hint if new update is available for Chrome
- Step 6: If any new Update is available, click to update your Google Browser
- Step 7: Once updated, relaunch Google Chrome and your browser will be safe
About CERT-In
With cybersecurity and hacking being one of the major security concerns for the Government,
CERT-In has been formed as a nodal agency in this domain. CERT-In stands for Indian Computer
Emergency Response Team of India and is an office under the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology of the Government of India. The agency was setup in 2004 under the
Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B). The key goal of CERT-In is to safeguard Indian
Citizens against cybersecurity threats and incidents, report any security vulnerabilities and issue
best-practices for Information Technology Security.

Aadhaar not mandatory for COVID-19

vaccination: Centre to SC
The central government informed the Supreme Court on February 7, 2022, that submitting
Aadhaar card details is not mandatory on the CO-WIN portal for the COVID-19 vaccination. This
came after the top court asked the authorities not to insist on asking for Aadhaar card details from
people in order to get vaccinated.
The Supreme Court was hearing some petitions that claimed that some centres were insisting on
Aadhaar card details for vaccination. The SC bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and
Surya Kant asked the authorities not to insist on the Aadhaar card as the only proof of
identification for the purpose of COVID-19 vaccination.
Responding to the same, the Health Ministry filed an affidavit in the petition, specifically recording
that the Aadhaar card is not mandatory for registration on the CO-WIN portal. Any one of the nine
listed documents can be produced for identification.
The Supreme Court bench said while disposing of the PIL after centre's reponse that all
concerned authority shall act in pursuant to the policy of the health ministry.
87 lakh people without identity vaccinated
Aman Sharma, an advocate appearing on behalf of the ministry, informed the Supreme Court
bench that Aadhaar is not the only pre-condition and 87 lakh people without any identity card
have been vaccinated.
Background
The PIL was filed by a Pune-based lawyer and social activist, Sidharthshankar Sharma,
contenting that the vaccination centres should not ask for Aadhaar card.
The plea south directions to eliminate the mandatory pre-condition of submitting Aadhaar details
in the CO-WIN portal for the COVID-19 vaccination centre and also sought direction for the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to make necessary changes to the CO-WIN
portal in consonance with the relief sought.

Reimagining Museums Global Summit 2022:

Culture Ministry to organise first of its kind
global summit
The Union Ministry of Culture will organize a first-of-its-kind Global Summit on ‘Reimagining
Museums in India’ on February 15-16, 2022. The summit will be inaugurated by Union Culture
Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
The Reimagining Museums Global Summit 2022 will focus on best practices and strategies to
develop India’s museums. It will be organised as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a flagship
program to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
The global summit aims to bring together experts and practitioners in the field of museum
development and management from India and around the world on a common platform to discuss
best practices and strategies.
Reimagining Museums in India Global Summit 2022
Key Agenda
-Sharing global best practices for museum development and management
-Understanding current needs of Museums in India
-Fostering partnerships between Indian and International Museums
-Developing blueprint for renewal of Indian museums
Schedule
Date: February 15-16
Venue: Virtual
Other Key Details

• The Global Summit is being organised in partnership with Bloomberg. It will be held online for
two days and is open for public participation.
• The virtual summit will be conducted with four broad themes: Architecture and Functional
Needs, Management, Collections Curation & Conservation practices) and Education and
Audience Engagement.
• The summit will see participation from 25 museologists and museum professionals who will
speak on reimagined priorities and practices for Museums.
• The knowledge sharing is expected to lead to the creation of a blueprint for the development of
new museums and reinvigorate existing museums in India.
How to sign up to participate in the summit?
To participate in the summit, visit and sign up on this website -

https://www.reimaginingmuseumsinindia.com/
Why is the global summit on museums important?
Museums being repositories of the history of our civilization play an important role in the
preservation and sharing of our cultural heritage with future generations.
Union Minister of Culture, G. Kishan Reddy said, "India’s 1000+ museums are instrumental in
not just showcasing and preserving this cultural heritage, but also educating future
generations.”
Culture Secretary Govind Mohan, added, “Through the Global Summit on reimagining
museums in India, the Ministry of Culture aims to convene key global thought leaders to
understand the best approach for developing India’s museums, forge strategic
partnerships between Indian and Global museums, and draw a masterplan for renewal of
Indian museums to make them truly world class.”

Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to

become Asia’s richest person
Adani Group founder and billionaire Gautam Adani has become Asia's richest person, ranks 10th
among the wealthiest people of the world, as per Bloomberg Billionaires Index on February 8,
2022.
Adani overtook Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani to be ranked among the top 10 wealthiest
persons of the world. He is ranked 10th with a net worth of $88.5B, while Mukesh Ambani is
ranked 11th with $87.9B, as per the Bloomberg index.
Adani has seen his personal fortune rise by almost $12bn in the past year. He leapfrogged to
enter the list of the world's top 10 richest people, while Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
slipped down to 13th place after losing nearly $30bn of his personal fortune.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2022: World's Top 15 Richest People

Rank Name Total Net Worth Country
1 Elon Musk $235B US
2 Jeff Bezos $183B US
3 Bernard Arnault $168B France
4 Bill Gates $129B US
5 Larry Page $124B US
6 Sergey Brin $119B US
7 Warren Buffet $115B US
8 Steve Ballmer $108B US
9 Larry Ellison $99.5B US
10 Gautam Adani $88.5B India
11 Mukesh Ambani $87.9B India

12 Changpeng Zhao $86B Canada
13 Mark Zuckerberg $85B US
Francoise Bettencourt
14 $84.3B France
Meyers
15 Zhong Shanshan $75.1B China

Bloomberg Index 2022: Top 10 richest people in India
Rank Name Total Net Worth
10 Gautam Adani $88.5B
11 Mukesh Ambani $87.9B
38 Azim Premji $33.8B
50 Shiv Nadar $29.0B
75 Radhakishan Damani $21.6 B
117 Cyrus Poonawalla $16.5B
122 Dilip Shanghvi $15.7B
133 Uday Kotak $15.2B
150 Savitri Jindal $13.5B
155 Kumar Birla $13.3B

BCCI keen to launch women's IPL in 2023
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to launch a full-fledged women's Indian
Premier League (IPL) as early as next year. This was informed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
“I want to assure you that BCCI is not only sincere but is taking all necessary steps to start a full-
fledged women's league similar to the IPL soon,” Jay Shah told Reuters in an email. He also
added that he is looking forward to seeing cricket at the Olympics, as that will help the game
grow.
While a three-team Women's T20 Challenge is staged alongside men's IPL, many are of the
opinion that the women players deserve their own expanded tournament of IPL with more teams
and players. The Women's T20 Challenge is being conducted every year since 2018.
Women's IPL Significance
Former England captain Michael Vaughan had taken to Twitter recently saying that the women's
IPL should be a top priority now.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had also stated in an interview earlier that the women's IPL is
certainly going to happen, and 2023 will be a very good time to start the competition.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that though the Women's T20 Challenge will continue this
year, things would change soon.
He noted that the huge interest among fans and players towards the women's T20 Challenge is
an encouraging sign and we are all committed to making it happen.
Indian Premier League
The entire 2020 IPL edition and second half of the 2021 IPL edition was hosted in the United Arab
Emirates as India struggled with the COVID crisis. The tournament was hosted amid the COVID-
19 pandemic with utmost safety and precaution.
This year's IPL edition will involve ten teams and it is scheduled to begin in the last week of
March. Both BCCI President and Secretary Jay Shah are confident of hosting the 10-team league
in India this time.

Shah said that the "BCCI is keeping a close watch on the Covid-19 situation in the country
and if it is conducive, we will stage the event in India this year and I am pretty hopeful
about that.”
The BCCI has also decided to wait to take a final decision on the presence of spectators in the
upcoming IPL edition, depending on the prevailing Covid-19 guidelines.
Background
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja had recently put forward the idea of an
annual T20 tournament featuring India, England and Australia.

Praveen Kumar Sobti, Mahabharat's Bheem

passes away at 74
Praveen Kumar Sobti, who was popular for essaying the role of Bheem in BR Chopra's
Mahabharat, passed away on February 7, 2022 at his residence in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. He was
74.
The actor reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. His relative informed that Sobti had a chronic chest
infection problem. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Praveen Kumar Sobti was also an extremely talented track and field athlete. He not only
represented India in two Olympic Games but was also a four-time Asian Games medalist. He was
honoured with the Arjuna Award for his accomplishments.
Praveen Kumar Sobti, popular for playing the role of Bheem in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed
away today in Delhi. He will be cremated at the crematorium ground in Punjabi Bagh today.
pic.twitter.com/0yzp4AMmzx

Praveen Kumar Sobti: His Sporting journey
• Praveen Kumar Sobti was a hammer and discus throw athlete.
• He has won four medals at the Asian Games, 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.
• He also won a silver medal in Hammer Throw in the 1966 Commonwealth Games.
• He represented India in two Olympic Games, 1968 Mexico Games and 1972 Munich Games.
• He was honoured with the Arjuna Award.
• He also got the job of Deputy Commandant with the Border Security Force (BSF) due to his
sports credentials.
Switch to Acting
Praveen Kumar Sobti switched to acting after ending his career in track and field in the late

1970s.
His first Bollywood film was a Ravikant Nagaich directorial in which he did not have a dialogue.
He later appeared in 'Raksha' in 1981 and was featured in several other films including Khudgarz,
Karishma Kudrat Kaa, Ghayal, Ajooba, Yudh, Zabardast, AakKa Arjun, Ilaaka, Mohabbat Ke
Dushman and Singhasan.
His most memorable role in Bollywood was as Mukhtaar Singh in Amitabh Bachchan's
'Shahenshah' and was also a part of Dharmendra’s ‘Loha’.
He usually played the roles of henchman, bodyguard and goon due to his huge build.
His most memorable role to date is Bheem in BR Chopra's 'Mahabharata', which made him a
household name. Like other cast members, Sobti became synonymous with the character he
portrayed in the show.
Sobti’s last movie release was ‘Mahabharat Aur Barbarik’, in which he reprised the role of Bheem.
Politics
Praveen Kumar Sobti also tried a career in politics and contested in the 2013 Delhi Assembly
Elections on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket from Wazirpur constituency in Delhi. He, however, lost
and then joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Recently, he had expressed his displeasure about not receiving pension from the Punjab
government.


2022
National News
Indian Army launches a vocational training centre for women for 'Waadiyan Bakery Project' in
Poonch's Mangnar village to enhance women skill development.
India reports 67,597 new COVID19 cases, 1,80,456 recoveries and 1,188 deaths in the last 24
hours.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai holds meeting with state ministers, officers, and lawyers over
inter-State river water disputes.
Goa declares 14th February as a Public Holiday, being the Polling Day for State Assembly
Elections 2022.
PM Modi is likely to reply to Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha
today.
Rescue operations underway in Arunachal Pradesh's Kameng Sector to rescue Army patrol hit by
an avalanche.
Environment News
Delhi-NCR's AQI in poor category at 280, Noida's AQI also in poor category at 297 and
Gurugram's AQI in moderate category at 200, as per System of Air Quality & Weather
Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)
Plastic has infiltrated all parts of the ocean and can be found "in the smallest plankton up to the
largest whale", as per wildlife group WWF.
A fire raging in Kenya's Aberdare National Park has been extinguished after two days of burning
through hundreds of hectares of wilderness.
International News

Iran nuclear deal 'in sight' but urgent need to make progess, said the United States on February
7, 2022.
Russian President Vladimir said that Russia will 'do everything to find compromises' with West
and would look at proposals put forward by French leader Emmanuel Macron.
The United States to ease tariffs on steel imported from Japan, in an attempt to resolve trade
disputes started under his predecessor Donald Trump.
Europe in 'most dangerous' security moment since Cold War, as per top EU diplomat.
Iraq's parliament indefinitely postponed a scheduled vote for the republic's president after most
major political blocs boycotted the session.
Sports News
Paul Collingwood appointed England's interim head coach for Tests, will take charge of England's
Test tour of the West Indies in March
China's Eileen Gu wins Olympic Freeski Big Air gold.
Austria's Matthias Mayer wins men's Olympic super-G.
BCCI plans to launch a full-fledged women's Indian Premier League (IPL) as early as next year,
2023.
Hardik Pandya opts out of playing in the Ranji Trophy to focus on his return to the Indian cricket
team.

Gujarat Titans new name of Ahmedabad IPL

team- Check Ahmedabad captain, players list
Ahmedabad IPL team name: The Ahmedabad IPL franchise has named its team the 'Gujarat
Titans'. This dispels reports that came in earlier saying that the team will be called 'Ahmedabad
Titans'.
Hardik Pandya was named as the captain of the new Ahmedabad IPL team 2022. Pandya was
picked along with Rasheed Khan and Shubman Gill ahead of the mega IPL 2022 auction event.
The Ahmedabad IPL Team was bought by CVC Capital Partners for Rs 5635 Crores. IPL 2022
edition is likely to be held in India from the last week of March and will conclude in May.
The Ahmedabad franchise picked up following three players and has Rs 52 crore
remaining for the IPL 2022 auction:
Hardik Pandya (Captain) – Rs 15 crore
Rashid Khan – Rs 15 Crore
Shubman Gill – Rs 7 Crore
Head Coach of Ahmedabad IPL team is Ashish Nehra and their mentor is Gary Kirsten.
Check Lucknow IPL team name here
IPL 2022 to have 10 teams
The IPL 2022 edition will see two new teams in action- Lucknow and Ahmedabad, taking the
eight-team competition to ten teams.
The Lucknow IPL team recently announced its new identity as 'Lucknow Super Giants'. The team
will be led by KL Rahul, which was picked up for 17 crores. The team also chose two more
players, Australia's Marcus Stoinis (Rs 9.2 crores)and uncapped player Ravi Bishnoi (Rs 4 crore).
Background

The IPL 2022 mega auction will take place on February 12th and 13th in Bengaluru when all
teams will select their players from a total of 590 players. The IPL 2022 player auction list
includes 370 Indian players and 220 overseas cricketers.

Australia reopens borders to foreign tourists

after almost 2 years
Australia reopened its borders for fully vaccinated international tourists from February 21, 2022
after almost two years, ending one of the world's strictest and longest travel restrictions imposed
due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on February 7 after a meeting of the national
security cabinet that the borders will reopen to all visa holders on the 21st of February of this
year. He said, "It's almost two years since we took the decision to close the borders to
Australia," adding, "if you're double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to
Australia."
The nation will now allow foreign tourists on one condition that they must be fully vaccinated. The
states will though continue to set up their own quarantine rules.
Australia's strict border restrictions
Australia had shut its borders for international tourists at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic
in March 2020 to contain the spread of the virus.
Since then, Australians were largely barred from leaving the nation and only a handful of visitors
were granted exemptions to enter. The strict border rules left several Australian nationals
stranded overseas.
The strict restrictions also impacted Australia's multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.
Significance
The reopening of international borders is expected to boost Australia's tourism industry.

The hospitality sector of the nation has been the hardest hit due to the never-ending border
restrictions and lockdowns due to the emergence of new variants of COVID-19.
The annual revenue of Australia's tourism industry, which was over $84.9 billion before the
pandemic, plunged to 41 percent in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Australia and New Zealand had to suspend the trans-Tasman travel bubble following the
emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant. The border restrictions continued to be in effect
amid the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
The authorities began to gradually ease the restrictions after there was a rapid decline in
hospitalizations and intensive care admissions in most parts of the country.
The latest decision will see the lifting of almost all remaining restrictions. It comes after the nation
abandoned its long-standing "Covid-zero" policy amid the collapse of the country's stellar tracing
system amid a new wave of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant.
Background
Only a handful of countries still remain closed to international tourists and some of them include
the Pacific Island nations, Japan, China and New Zealand.
Australia had imposed a controversial travel ban on arrivals from India last year during the deadly
second wave of the pandemic that left thousands of Australians stranded including at least 14
Australian cricketers, who were participating in the IPL 2021 edition. The cricketers included high-
profile names such as David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Glen Maxwell.
The Australian Prime Minister rejected all the requests for charter flights to bring the Australians
home, which forced the Australian cricketers to take shelter in the Maldives till they could return
home.

Who is Arif Khan? India's sole competitor at

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
Arif Khan is the sole Indian sportsperson to compete in the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. The
Indian skier led a small Indian contingent during the Winter Olympics 2022 opening ceremony in
Beijing, China on February 4, 2022.
Beijing Skier Arif Khan led a small four-strong Indian contingent during the Winter Olympics
opening ceremony here on Friday amid a diplomatic boycott of the event by the country.
Arif Khan unfurled the Indian flag as he spearheaded the small contingent of four, representing
India as the 23rd contingent to walk in during the mega Winter Olympics Ceremony amid a
diplomatic boycott of the event by India.
Overall, the Winter Olympics opening ceremony saw participation from athletes belonging to 84
different nations.
Team #Indiain traditional #Himachali caps on international stage!!

- at the winter #Olympics #OpeningCeremony #BeingHimachali
|#Beijing2022 | #HimachalPradesh | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/swLnQMtKZh
— Sonia Randhawa (@SoniRw) February 4, 2022

Arif Khan Winter Olympics 2022 Schedule
February 13, Sunday
Giant Slalom Run 1 – 7:45 am IST
Giant Slalom Run 2 – 11:15 am IST
February 16, Wednesday
Slalom Run 1 – 7:45 am IST
Slalom Run 2 – 11:15 am IST
Venue: Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field in Yanqing District.

How to watch Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 live in India?
The Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 live streaming will be available on Olympics.com. The Winter
Olympic 2022 and Arif Khan’s slalom and giant slalom skiing events will also be telecasted live on
India's DD Sports TV channel.
Who is Arif Khan: Know about him in 9 points
1. Arif Khan, the 31-year-old is the only Indian competitor at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
2. He will the 16th Indian Winter Olympian but first in history to qualify for two events in the same
edition of the Winter Olympic Games.
3. He has qualified for the Slalom and Giant Slalom events. He will be seen in action on February
13th and February 16th.
4. Arif Khan was born in Kashmir's Baramulla district. His father Yasin Khan owns a ski equipment
shop in Gulmarg.
5. Arif took up skiing as a sport quite early, winning his first national slalom championship when
he was just 12 years old.
6. He also later won two gold medals in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events at the 2011 South
Asian Winter Games.
7. He had also taken part in both editions of the Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu and
Kashmir, Gulmarg.
8. He took part in the FIS World Ski Championships in 2013 and finished 59th in the slalom and
91st in the giant slalom event. He was unable to move past the qualification stage.
9. He has taken part in three more world championships since and his best result has been 45th
in the giant slalom event in the 2021 edition in Italy. It was his first time qualifying for the final in
any world championship event.
10. This will be Arif Khan's Olympic debut, making his hard-earned dream come true.
Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

India officially announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 last week
after China chose a soldier who was involved in the Galwan clash as an Olympic torchbearer.
India called China's move "regrettable", saying that the country chose to "politicise" the Olympics.
With this, India joins several other major nations that had announced a diplomatic boycott of the
Beijing Winter Olympics including the US, UK, Australia and several other nations over human
rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region.
India announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
Background
India has sent a six-member contingent to take part in the Winter Olympic Games 2022 in Beijing.
The contingent includes Arif Khan, his coach, a team manager and a technician.

Potentially Hazardous asteroid heading

towards Earth, to make a close pass in
March
Potentially Hazardous asteroid 2001 CB21: A giant asteroid, estimated to be four times bigger
than the Eiffel Tower, is heading towards the Earth and is likely to make a close pass in March.
NASA has defined the asteroid called 138971 (2001 CB21) as potentially hazardous, as it will
come as close as 4.5 million km.
As per scientists, there is no need to worry as the distance is almost 13 times the average
distance between the Earth and the Moon. The asteroid, however, will be traveling at a lightning
speed of over 26,800 miles per hour.
When will the potentially hazardous asteroid come close to the Earth?
The potentially hazardous asteroid is expected to make a close pass by the Earth at around 3 am
on March 4th.
Asteroid 2001 CB21
The potentially hazardous asteroid is up to 1.3 kilometers or 4,265 feet in diameter.
The asteroid was classified as "potentially hazardous" by NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object
Studies (CNEOS). It is also classified as a near-Earth asteroid (NEA), based on its relative closest
distance of 4,911,102 million km when passing by Earth.
The 2001 CB21 asteroid makes an orbit around the sun once every 384 days, similar to Earth's
orbital period. It is bigger than around 97 percent of the known asteroids.
Will the asteroid hit the Earth?
As per scientists, the asteroid does not pose any danger of hitting the Earth in the near future
unless something drastic forces it to change its course.
How was Asteroid 2001 CB21 discovered?

The asteroid 2001 CB21 was detected by the virtual telescope project of astronomer Gianluca
Masi of Italy on January 30, 2022 when it was more than 21.5 million miles away from Earth.
What are potentially hazardous asteroids?
The asteroids are classified as "potentially hazardous" based on their "threatening close
approaches" to the Earth. Usually, an asteroid smaller than about 500 feet in diameter cannot get
closer to the Earth than around 4.6 million miles and hence, they are not classified as potentially
hazardous asteroid (PHA) category
Background
A potentially hazardous asteroid named 1994 PC1 had flown past the Earth on January 18th at a
distance of around 1.2 million miles. The asteroid was estimated to be 1 kilometer in size, more
than twice the height of the Empire State Building.
Another asteroid named 99942 Apophis, which is 1,120 feet in size, is expected to make a close
encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. The asteroid, considered to be one of the most dangerous
asteroids, will pass the Earth just 31,000 kilometers away.

Single-Dose Sputnik Light Vaccine gets

emergency use approval in India
The Drug Controller General of India granted emergency use approval to the single-dose Sputnik
Light COVID-19 vaccine in India on February 6, 2022.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that this is the 9th COVID-19 vaccine in the
country. He tweeted saying that this will further strengthen the nation's collective fight against the
pandemic.
DCGI granted emergency use permission to Single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in
India, says Union Health Min Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
"This is 9th #COVID19 vaccine in the country," he tweets
(File pic) pic.twitter.com/QF0MHMq7Z2
The interim data of the vaccine’s efficacy trial, as per the vaccine developer RDIF, showed
65.4% efficacy against COVID-19, 21 days after immunisation.
What is Sputnik Light?
Sputnik Light is a recombinant human adenovirus serotype-based vaccine. The recombinant

human adenovirus serotype number 26 is the first component of the two doses of Russia's
Sputnik V vaccine.
Sputnik Light efficacy
According to the findings of the Gamaleya Center, the Sputnik Light vaccine administered as a
single shot vaccine showed 70 percent efficacy in people under the age of 60 years against
infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination.
As per the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a one-shot vaccination regimen of Sputnik
Light provides not only for ease of administration and helps to increase the efficacy and duration
of other vaccines when used as a booster shot.

The efficacy trials also showed that each ‘vaccine cocktail' combination with Sputnik Light
provided a higher antibody titer on the 14th day after administering of the second dose when
compared to the same vaccine as the first and second dose regimens of each of the vaccines.
How many countries have authorised Sputnik Light?
The Sputnik Light COVID vaccine has already been authorised in over 30 countries. So far, both
Sputnik V and Sputnik Light have not been associated with rare serious adverse events following
vaccination.
Background
The subject expert committee under DGCI had recommended emergency use approval of
Russia's Sputnik Light one-shot COVID-19 vaccine on February 4, 2022. T
The Indian partner of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy's
Laboratories, had sought approval from the drug regulator for use of the single-dose vaccine.
The recommendation was given to use the vaccine as a primary dose. The company has recently
submitted a proposal for conducting trials of Sputnik Light as a booster to other vaccines.
The Russian Health officials had authorised the one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine for emergency
use in May 2021.


2022
National News
Maharashtra declares February 7 as public holiday to mourn the demise of Legendary singer
Lata Mangeskar.
RBI postpones rate-setting MPC meeting till February 8th in view of Maharashtra declaring
public holiday today.
An earthquake of 4.3 magnitude occurred at 305km NNE of Pangin, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
India's daily Covid cases drop to 83,876, below 1 lakh for the first time since January 6th.
India on February 6, 2022 authorised use of Russia's one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine against
coronavirus.
Delhi schools reopened for classes 9 to 12 on February 7th, for the first time after being shut in
December.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that the state has attracted 16 ethanol
projects worth Rs 3,290 crore.
Karnataka government has launched self-defence training programme 'Obavva Art of Self
Defence Training' for 50,000 girl students in schools and colleges.
Sports News
Arif Khan has become the first Indian to qualify for two events in the same edition of the
Winter Olympics.
India beat West Indies by 6 wickets in their 1000th ODI game, taking 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
No athlete from Afghanistan in Winter Olympics 2022 due to absence of passports.
International News

Australia to reopen borders for tourists from February 21, 2022.
US President Joe Biden discussed the Ukraine situation with French President Emmanuel
Macron over the phone, ahead of Macron's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming tour to Australia for Quad Security Dialogue
with other foreign ministers amid Ukraine tensions raises criticism.
NATO mulling over a new gas interconnector link between Spain and Germany to reduce
Europe's energy dependence on Russia.
Apple could unveil its first low-cost 5G supported iPhone SE in March 2022.
China to send second shipment of aid to Afghanistan, comprising 600 tons of emergency aid in
wheat from its Xinjiang province.
EU amends the Afghanistan sanction regime to include a humanitarian exemption, allowing

frozen assets of Afghanistan to be used for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Ottawa declares a state of emergency amid ongoing 'freedom convoy' protests against COVID-
19 vaccine mandates.
Additional US troops arrived in Poland on February 6th amid rising tensions between Russia
and Ukraine.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan is likely to visit Russia later this month in the first such trip by a Pakistani
prime minister in 23 years.

Lata Mangeshkar passes away at 92, leaves

behind rich musical legacy
India's nightingale, Lata Mangeshkar passed away on February 6, 2022. This was informed by
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who had gone to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai earlier today.
Dr Pratit Samdani, who was treating her at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, released an official
statement saying,"It is with profound grief that we announce the sad demise of #LataMangeshkar
at 8:12am. She has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalisation
post #COVID19."
It is with profound grief that we announce the sad demise of #LataMangeshkar at 8:12am. She
has died because of multi-organ failure after more than 28 days of hospitalisation post
#COVID19: Dr Pratit Samdani, who was treating her at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital
pic.twitter.com/ndqdJWpqb1
Lata Mangeshkar had been admitted to the ICU of Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai on January
11 after testing positive for COVID-19. The 92-year-old was also suffering from pneumonia.
Despite showing signs of improvement after several days of treatment, her health condition
worsened yesterday and she was placed on ventilator support again.
Condolences pour in from PM, President
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish at the demise of legendary singer Lata
Mangeshkar. He said, "She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled."
I am anguished beyond words. The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our
nation that cannot be filled. The coming generations will remember her as a stalwart of Indian
culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people.
pic.twitter.com/MTQ6TK1mSO
President Ram Nath Kovind also said that the Bharat Ratna awardee's accomplishments will
remain incomporable.
An artist born but once in centuries, Lata-didi was an exceptional human being, full of warmth, as

I found whenever I met her. The divine voice has gone quiet forever but her melodies will remain
immortal, echoing in eternity. My condolences to her family and admirers everywhere.
pic.twitter.com/FfQ8lmjHGN
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 6, 2022
Home Minister Amit Shah said that it is not possible to put into words her contribution to the music
world. "Her death is a personal loss for me," he tweeted.
Home Minister Amit Shah offers condolences after the passing away of singing legend Lata
Mangeshkar
"It is not possible to put into words her contribution to the music world. Her death is a personal
loss for me," he tweets pic.twitter.com/mQ6upjj86m

State Funeral for Lata Mangeshkar
The mortal remains of Lata Mangeshkar will be taken to her residence around 12.30. The last
rites will be conducted with full State honours at Shivaji Park at 6.30pm today.
The government of India has also announced a two-day national mourning to be observed in the
memory of Lata Mangeshkar. The national flag will fly at half mast for two days as a mark of
respect.
Two days of state mourning will be observed today and tomorrow during which the National Flag
will be flown at half-mast throughout India as a mark of respect to Lata Mangeshkar. State
honours to be accorded to her: Government of India

Lata Mangeshkar's Musical Legacy
• Lata Mangeshkar, known as Queen of Melody and Nightingale of India, had a musical career
spanning almost eight decades.
• She is the recipient of India's highest civilian award- The Bharat Ratna and also the Dada
Saheb Phalke for her contribution to the Indian music industry.
• Lata Mangeshkar's name has been synonymous with music in India and her voice managed to
transcend all barriers of caste, religion, creed and culture. She is considered as one of the

greatest and most influential singers in India.
• She was the eldest of five siblings and was born on September 28, 1929 to a Marathi-speaking
family in Indore. Her four siblings include Meena Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and
Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
• Her father was a classical singer and noted theatre artist, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and
mother was Shevanti, a Gujarati woman.
• Lata Mangeshkar received training in classical music from her father and she was later also
tutored by musical maestros Aman Ali Khan Sahib and Amanat Ali Khan.
• She recorded her first song 'Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari' at the young
age of 13 years, after the death of her father. The song was composed by Sadashivrao Nevrekar
for Vasant Joglekar's Marathi film 'Kiti Hasaal'. The song, however, did not make the final edit.
• She struggled to support her family during her teenage years, being the eldest in the family.
She struggled to establish herself as a playback singer in Bollywood in 1940s.
• Her first Hindi song was 'Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu' for the 1943 Marathi film
'Gajaabhaau'.
• Her first major break was the song 'Dil Mera Toda, Mujhe Kahin Ka Na Chhora', which was
written by Nazim Panipat for 'Majboor' film in 1948. The song became her first hit.
• She then went on to record 'Uthaye ja unke sitam' for 'Andaz' in 1949, after which she did
playback singing for every major leading actress.
• Lata Mangeshkar represented each generation of Bollywood, right from Nargis and Waheeda
Rehman to Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta.
• She sang music composed by several legendary music composers including Naushad Ali,
Madan Mohan, and S.D. Burman. Her voice and accuracy of holding a note has remain
unmatched throughout her career.
• She made her Tamil playback singing debut with the song 'Enthan Kannalan' in 1956 and
Kannada debut in 1967 for the film Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna.

• Music Composer S. D. Burman chose Lata as the leading female singer for his musical
compositions for films like 'Sazaa', 'House No. 44' and 'Devdas'.
• She recorded several popular songs for S. D. Burman, including "Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna
Hai", "Piya Tose" from Guide (1965), "Gata Rahe Mera Dil" (a duet with Kishore Kumar), "Hothon
Pe Aisi Baat" from 1967 film Jewel Thief and "Kitni Akeli Kitni Tanhaa" from Talash.
• She has recorded songs in over 36 Indian languages and few foreign languages, mainly in
Hindi and Marathi. Some of the most memorable Lata Mangeshkar songs include 'Ajeeb Dastaan
Hai Yeh', 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya' and 'Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai'.
• She became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1974.
• She recorded several duets with Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and
Mahendra Kapoor in the 1960s.
• She also sung popular songs including "Chalte Chalte" and "Inhi Logon Ne" in Meena Kumari's
last film Pakeezah, which released in 1972.
• She had sung the patriotic song "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" in the presence of Jawaharlal
Nehru, then the Prime Minister of India on January 27, 1963, against the backdrop of the Sino-
Indian War. The song, composed by C. Ramchandra, was said to have brought tears in the eyes
of the Prime Minister.
Awards and Recognitions
Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian honour) -2001
Officer of Legion of Honour (France's highest civilian award)- 2007
Padma Vibhushan- 1999
Dada Saheb Phalke Award- 1989
Padma Bhushan- 1969
National Film Awards
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award -1993

#WATCH Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar awarded the nation's highest civilian honour, Bharat
Ratna in 2001
(ANI Archive) pic.twitter.com/khw3OZTMjG

India wins ICC Under 19 World Cup 2022 for

record 5th time, Check list of past wins
India vs England Under 19 world cup final: India beat England by four wickets to win the ICC
Under 19 World Cup 2022 final on February 5, 2022. India have won the Under 19 World Cup for
record fifth time, becoming the first-ever team to do so.
India are the 2022 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup champions
They beat England by four wickets in the #U19CWC final #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/e4uhN2Pbqb
— ICC (@ICC) February 5, 2022
India's Dinesh Bana hit the winning runs, finishing off in a style with a six. India chased down the
target of 189 runs with 14 balls to spare. The Indian bowlers put up a splendid performance,
especially Rajangad Bawa and Ravi Kumar, who picked up 5 and 4 wickets respectively.
Exceptional bowling from these two #ENGvIND | #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/7kSg0mhCYt
England was bowled out for 189 at 44.5 overs with wickets falling in quick succession. England
U19 captain Tom Prest was bowled for a duck. The only batsman who held the fort for England
was James Rew, who scored 95 runs off 116 balls.
India vs England Under 19 final scorecard
India Under-19 Scorecard (195/6 in 47.4 overs)

India U19 Batting R B 4s 6s
Angkrish Raghuvanshi (c Alex
0 2 0 0
Horton b Joshua Boyden)
Harnoor Singh (c Alex Horton b 2 4
3 0
Tom Aspinwall) 1 6
Shaik Rasheed (c James Rew 5 8
6 0
b James Sales) 0 4
Yash Dhull (C) (c George Bell 1 3
1 0
b James Sales) 7 2

5 5
Nishant Sindhu (not out) 5 1
0 4
Raj Angad Bawa (c Tom Prest 3 5
2 1
b Joshua Boyden) 5 4
Kaushal Tambe (c Rehan
1 9 0 0
Ahmed b Tom Aspinwall)
1
Dinesh Bana (W) (not out) 5 0 2
3
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Vicky Ostwal
Ravi Kumar
Extras: 8 ( b - 0, lb - 0, w - 8, nb - 0, Penalty -
0)
England Bowling 0 M R W
Joshua Boyden 7 1 24 2
James Sales 7.4 0 51 2
Tom Prest 10 1 29 0
Rehan Ahmed 10 2 32 0
Tom Aspinwall 9 0 42 2
Jacob Bethell 4 0 17 0
England Under-19 Scorecard (189/10 in 44.5 overs)
England U19 Batting R B 4s 6s

George Thomas (c Yash 2
30 4 1
Dhull b Raj Angad Bawa) 7
Jacob Bethell (lbw b Ravi
2 5 0 0
Kumar)
Tom Prest (C) (b Ravi
0 4 0 0
Kumar)
James Rew (c Kaushal 9 11 1
0
Tambe b Ravi Kumar) 5 6 2
William Luxton (c Dinesh
4 8 0 0
Bana b Raj Angad Bawa)
George Bell (c Dinesh Bana
0 1 0 0
b Raj Angad Bawa)
Rehan Ahmed (c Kaushal 1 12 1 0

Tambe b Raj Angad Bawa) 0

Alex Horton (W) (c Yash 1
21 2 0
Dhull b Kaushal Tambe) 0
3
James Sales 65 2 0
4
Tom Aspinwall (c Dinesh
0 2 0 0
Bana b Ravi Kumar)
Joshua Boyden (c Dinesh
1 5 0 0
Bana b Raj Angad Bawa)
Extras: 6 ( b - 0, lb - 1, w - 5, nb - 0, Penalty
- 0)
Indian Bowlers 0 M R W
Rajvardhan
7 1 36 0
Hangargekar
Ravi Kumar 9 1 34 4
Raj Angad Bawa 9.5 1 31 5
Nishant Sindhu 6 1 19 0
Vicky Ostwal 6 0 31 0
Kaushal Tambe 5 0 29 1
Angkrish Raghuvanshi 2 0 8 0
India wins record 5th Under 19 World Cup Title
India won the Under 19 World Cups under the following captains:
2000 Under 19 World Cup: Mohammad Kaif
2008 Under 19 World Cup: Virat Kohli
2012 Under 19 World Cup: Unmukt Chand
2018 Under 19 World Cup: Prithvi Shaw
2022 Under 19 World Cup: Yash Dhull

India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final

2022 Live streaming: When and where to
watch India and England live match?
ICC Under 19 World Cup Final 2022: India U19 will faceoff against England U19 in the ICC
Under 19 World Cup Final 2022 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
The Yash Dhull-led India U19 will be set up for a tough contest, as both teams are so far
unbeaten in the tournament. The Indian Under 19 team this time has been compared to the
previous ones led by Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw.
India has qualified for the ICC Under 19 World Cup for the fourth consecutive time after
successfully overcoming the COVID-19 outbreak in the camp. India barely managed to field 11
players in their group stage match against Ireland after as many as six players including skipper
Yash Dhull and deputy skipper Shaik Rasheed tested positive for COVID-19.
However, a resilient India led by Nishant Sidhu, powered by some great performances by players
like Harnoor Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi managed to record a 174 run victory over Ireland
U19 and qualified for the Super League stage
Read more: ICC U19 World Cup Schedule 2022: Check updated schedule, final venue and
time
India U19 looking to win historic 5th U19 World Cup Title
India will be looking to win their historic fifth Under 19 World Cup title after crushing Australia by
96 runs in the semifinal.
India has been the most dominant team in the Under 19 World Cup history by winning four Under
19 World Cup titles in 2000, 2008, 2013 and 2018.
This would be India's eighth final, fourth in a row. No other team has reached as many finals as
India or won as many U-19 World Cups.
“There is no one star in the team, we play as a unit."

India captain Yash Dhull speaks before their all-important #U19CWC 2022 Final against England
pic.twitter.com/Z46rQ2IHlp
England, another dominant team this year, will also be looking to win their first title in 24 years
after beating Afghanistan by 15 runs in the first semifinal.
India 19 vs England U19 head-to-head record
India U19 and England U19 have faced each other 49 times in the U19 ODIs, eight of which
were during the U19 World Cup.
Total Matches: 49
India win: 37
England win: 11
U19 World Cup head-to-head
Matches: 8
India win: 6
England win: 2
While the odds are clearly in India U19's favour, England U19 have won two of their last three
U19 ODIs.
India 19 vs England 19 Squad
India U19 Squad: Yash Dhull (c), Dinesh Bana (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Harnoor Singh,
Shaik Rasheed, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Nishant Sindhu, Raj Bawa, Kaushal Tambe, Vicky
Ostwal, Ravi Kumar, Manav Parakh, Siddarth Yadav, Aneeshwar Gautam, Garv Sangwan
England U19 Squad: Tom Prest (c), Alex Horton (wk), George Thomas, Jacob Bethell , James
Rew, William Luxton, George Bell, Rehan Ahmed, James Sales, Thomas Aspinwall, Joshua
Boyden, James Coles, Fateh Singh, Nathan Barnwell, Benjamin Cliff

When to watch India U19 vs England U19 World Cup final?
India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final 2022 will begin at 6.30 pm today, February 5th.
Where to watch India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final 2022 Live telecast in India?
India U19 vs England U19 World Cup final 2022 live telecast can be viewed on Star Sports
Network.
How to watch India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final 2022 Live streaming?
India U19 vs England U19 World Cup Final 2022 live streaming will be available on
Disney+Hotstar.
Background
India had lost the last Under 19 World Cup final to Bangladesh in South Africa in January 2020.
India last won the Under 19 World Cup under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw in 2018. Shubman Gill
was a part of 2018 Under 19 World Cup-winning squad.


2022
National News
PM Modi to dedicate to the nation Statue of Equality in Hyderabad today.
The drivers traveling alone in a car will not attract penalty for not wearing masks, said the Delhi
Health and Family Welfare Department in an order on February 4th.
Painless and Needleless ZYCOV-D Covid Vaccine has been launched in Patna, the doses will be
given at intervals of 28 days and 56 days.
An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Region
earlier today, strong tremors were felt in Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Noida, and other areas.
SEC recommends Russia's Sputnik Light one-shot COVID-19 vaccine, DGCI is expected to give
final approval soon.
Gauhati HC upholds 2020 Act to repeal Madrassa Education Provincialisation Act.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to be on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand from February 6th to
campaign for AAP.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to announce the party CM face for Punjab Elections 2022 on
February 6 during his visit to Ludhiana.
Sports News
India U19 to take on England U19 in the ICC U19 World Cup final from 6.30 pm onwards
today. The India U19 team emulates the previous ones led by Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw.
Chinese President Xi Jinping officially declared the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 open on
February 4, 2022, which was followed by a stunning opening ceremony at the Beijing National
Stadium.

Justin Langer resigns as Australian men's team head coach, Andrew McDonald has been
appointed as the interim head coach.
International News
The US waived sanctions on Iran's civil nuclear program on February 4th to advance talks aimed
at salvaging the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iceland to end the practice of commercial hunting of whales from 2024 as demand for whale meat
falls.
An explosion on an oil ship that sparked fears of an environmental disaster off southern Nigeria
has been brought under control.

Queen Elizabeth II to become first British

monarch to rule for 70 years
Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to rule for 70 years on February 6, 2022. This
marks the start of her Platinum Jubilee year.
The Queen brought in her platinum jubilee in private, same as all previous years, as the
anniversary of her accession marks the date her father George VI died. No public engagements
are planned for the day.
Queen Elizabeth II is the world's longest reigning living monarch and Britain's longest reigning
Queen. She was not born as the direct heir to the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II to mark 70 years on the throne.
The queen on Sunday will become the first British monarch to reign for 70 years, heralding the
start of her Platinum Jubilee year despite her retreat from public viewhttps://t.co/zJaYRGA6kb
pic.twitter.com/HCaHQkDPuG

Queen Elizabeth's ascent to the throne
Queen Elizabeth II was born as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on April 21, 1926. She was
the elder daughter of King George V’s second son, King George VI. She was not a direct heir to
the throne, as her uncle King Edward VIII was the next heir.
However, King Edqard VIII voluntarily abdicated the throne to marry the American divorcée Wallis
Warfield Simpson after ruling for less than a year. This made King George VI the new ruler of
Britain and Elizabeth the next heir.
It was in 1952, when 25-year-old Elizabeth was on a tour of the Commonwealth in place of her
ailing father, she heard the news of her father's death. She was at a remote Kenyan lodge along
with her husband Prince Philip when she got the unfortunate news.
She immediately returned to London was crowned as the next Queen of England. Ever since, she
has been one constant amid the ever changing social and political scenario in Britain.

She has shared the confidence of 14 British Prime Ministers and met 13 US President in her 7-
decade rule and the sole living link to Britain's post-war and imperial past.
Timeline showing UK prime ministers who have come and gone since Queen Elizabeth II's
accession in 1952#AFPgraphics @AFP
[Thread: 4/5]
https://t.co/V8qkACN006 pic.twitter.com/J86qbQxj4B

Prince Philip's death
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 on April 9, 2021. He was the
longest-serving royal consort in British history, having been by his wife's side for 69 years. Prince
Philip had married Elizabeth in 1947 and five years later, she became the Queen of England.
The Queen returned to public engagements after Prince Philip's death and hosted the G7 summit
of world leaders in Britain. However, after an overnight stay in the hospital in October 2021,
doctors advised her to slow down and ever since, the Queen has made few public appearances.
She is currently staying at Wood Farm in Sandringham. It is a five-bedroom cottage that was
favoured by her late husband after he retired from public life in 2017.
It was also the retreat for her father, George VI, who died there of lung cancer, at the age of 56
years and her grandfather, King George V, who also died there and her great-grandmother,
Queen Alexandra.
Top 5 world’s longest-reigning monarchs
1. France’s Louis XIV
France's Louis XIV ruled for 72 years and 110 days between 1643 and 1715. He is the longest-
reigning monarch on record. He had ascended the throne at the age of 4 years in 1638.
2. Thailand´s King Bhumibol
Thailand´s King Bhumibol Adulyadej holds the modern record of longest-reigning emperor, having
ruled for 70 years and 126 days from 1946 to 2016. He was a widely revered monarch, who died
in October 2016 at the age of 88 years.

3. Elizabeth II
Britain´s Queen Elizabeth II is the third-longest reigning monarch and the longest-reigning living
monarch. She inherited the throne on February 8, 1952 at the age of 25 years. She currently is
the head of state of 14 nations in the Commonwealth.
She will overtake King Bhumibol Adulyadej as the longest-reigning modern monarch if she is still
on the throne on June 12, 2022.
4. Austria´s Franz Josef I
Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph ruled for 68 years between 1848 and 1916.
He was the head of the powerful Habsburg dynasty that ruled over a multi-ethnic realm with over
50 million people.
5. Britain´s Queen Victoria
Queen Elizabeth II's great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria is the second-longest reigning

British monarch, having ruled for almost 64 years from 1837 until 1901. The British Empire was at
its height then and the age was called Victorian age after her.

UP Best State Tableau of Republic Day

Parade 2022, Maharashtra popular choice
Best state tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022: The Uttar Pradesh state tableau was
adjudged as the best state tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022, announced the Union Defence
Ministry on February 4, 2022. Maharashtra state tableau was selected as the best in the popular
choice category.
The CISF was adjudged as the best marching contingent among the CAPF, while the Indian Navy
was selected as the best marching contingent among the Services. The Indian Air Force
contingent won in the popular choice category.
Every year, the defence ministry announces the best tableau among states and ministries and
best marching contingent and the best cultural performance.
A total of 21 tableau had participated in Republic Day Parade 2022 from 12 states and nine
ministries and government departments.
Indian Navy chosen as best marching contingent among the Services during Republic Day
parade 2022; Indian Air Force wins in popular choice category; Ministry of Education & Ministry of
Civil Aviation declared joint winners among Ministries: Defence Ministry
pic.twitter.com/ZTlT16nkMZ

Republic Day Parade 2022 winners: Full List
Best State Tableau
UP tableau was selected as the best state tableau among all the states that took part in the
Republic Day Parade 2022. The UP tableau 2022 showed Kashi Vishwanath Dham’s glorious
history and achievements of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
The front portion of tableau was lined with products of each district, which showcased the fast
economic growth in the state through traditional crafts, weavers and handicrafts products. The
central part of the tableau displayed the culture of sadhus and priests offering argh to the sun at
various ghats.

Best State Tableau Popular Choice
Maharashtra was picked as the best state tableau in the popular choice category. The
Maharashtra tableau depicted the five bio-diversity symbols of the state - state bird 'Hariyal', state
animal 'Shekru' or the Indian giant squirrel, state tree 'Mango', state butterfly 'Blue Mormon' and
state flower 'Jarul'.
Best Marching contingent among CAPF
The Central Industrial Security Force was adjudged as the best marching contingent among the
CAPS.
Best Marching Contingent among Services
The Indian Navy was selected as the best marching contingent among the three Services. Indian
Air Force was selected as the best marching contingent in the popular choice category.
Best Tableau among Ministries
The tableau of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Civil Aviation were declared as best tableau
among Ministries.
The Ministry of Education's tableau 2022 was titled "Vedas to Metaverse" and it was composed
of Brahminised visuals. The front portion of the tableau showcased India's past in the area of
education starting with the vedas and the gurukul system, while the rear portion showed a glowing
brain-like ‘Bulb’, symbolising innovation and creativity aspects. The tableau showcased the key
aspects of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
The Civil Aviation Ministry showcased its tableau at the Republic Day Parade for the first-
ever time. The tableau showcased a peak into the growth in India's aviation industry with a key
focus on Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik. The front portion of
the tableau was shaped like an aircraft with women pilots and the rear portion showcased symbol
of Buddhism and motto of UDAN scheme.

Winter Olympics 2022: India announces

diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter
Olympics 2022
India on February 3, 2022 announced diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing
after China picked Chinese soldier involved in the Galwan clash with India as an Olympic
torchbearer.
India's diplomat will not be attending the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
The boycott will be at diplomatic level. The Indian athlete will be participating in the event.
India's sole participant in the Winter Olympics 2022 is skier Arif Khan.
Why has India boycotted Winter Olympics 2022?
Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement, “It is indeed
regrettable that the Chinese side has chosen to politicize an event like the Olympics… the
Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of India in Beijing will not be attending the opening or
the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.”
Bagchi announced this while responding to questions on the reports of a Chinese soldier who was
involved in the India-China clash at Galwan valley being chosen as the torchbearer for the
Olympic Games.
India's state broadcaster Doordarshan has also announced that it will not telecast the opening
and closing ceremonies of Winter Olympics.
The decision came after a PLA regiment commander Qi Fabao, who had received military
honours for the Galwan clash, was identified as one of about 1,200 runners bearing the
Olympic torch at a relay in Beijing.
The United States applauded India's diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and
calling out China for its "heinous human rights abuses and cold-blooded effort to turn Olympics
2022 into a political victory lap."

US, UK among dozen countries that announced diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics
Dozens of countries led by the United States and United Kingdom have announced a “diplomatic
boycott” of the Beijing Olympic Games. The other nations include Australia, Japan, Denmark,
Sweden, Latvia, the Netherlands and Czech Republic over human rights violations on the Uighur
community in Xinjiang.
The athletes of these countries will, however, participate in the Olympic games but diplomats will
not.
India was one of the few countries that had expressed support for the Beijing Olympics, despite
the boycott by so many countries.
Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
Chinese President Xi Jinping will inaugurate the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the Bird’s
Nest National Stadium, which was built for the summer Olympics in 2008. With this, Beijing will
become the first city to host both summer and winter Olympics.
The Winter Olympics opening ceremony 2022 is expected to see in attendance Russian President
Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of
Saudi Arabia, President Halimah Yacob of Singapore, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt
and five Presidents from Central Asian republics -Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Galwan clash Background
A violent clash took place between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on
June 15 during de-escalation process. The clash erupted after China attempted to "unilaterally
change" the status quo during de-escalation talks.
Twenty Indian soldiers including a colonel martyred in the Galwan clash. It was the bloodiest
encounter between the two nations in over four decades.

World Cancer Day 2022: Theme, History,

Significance and Top 7 Quotes
World Cancer Day 2022: World Cancer Day is marked on February 4th every year to raise
awareness about cancer and encourage its early detection and prevention. According to World
Health Organisation, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly one in
six deaths.
The World Cancer Day 2022 theme is "Close the Care Gap". The theme aims to increase
awareness about the inequities in cancer care. The theme has been launched as a three-year
campaign.
When is world cancer day?
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4th to raise awareness about the life-
threatening disease. The primary objective of World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness
and death caused by cancer.
What is the theme of World Cancer Day?
The theme of World Cancer Day 2022 is 'Close the Care Gap'. The three-year campaign will
highlight barriers related to socioeconomic factors, stigma and discrimination that prevent many
people from accessing potentially life-saving preventive services, screening, treatment and care.
The first year of the ‘Close the Care Gap’ campaign will focus on understanding and recognising
the inequities in cancer care around the globe. The year will focus on helping in reducing stigma
and listening to the perspectives of the people living with cancer and their communities and let
those experiences guide our thoughts and actions.
World Cancer Day Significance
As per recent studies, about one out of six people in the world die from cancer, which is more
than the number of deaths caused by tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
In India alone, a 2020 WHO study revealed that one in every 10 Indians will develop cancer and
one in every 15 will die. According to the study, India has a population of almost 1.35 billion

reported around 1.16 million new cancer cases and 784,800 cancer deaths in 2018.
Overall, India ranks third among nations in terms of the highest number of cancer cases. The
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has estimated a 12 percent rise in cancer cases in
India by the next five years.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. It is one of the deadliest diseases and
a leading cause of death around the world. It can occur at any age and can increase the risk of
death if not detected at the right time and is not treated.
Most Common Cancers
The most common forms of cancer in India include breast cancer, cervical cancer and oral
cancer. Breast cancer and cervical cancer occur in women and can be successfully treated upon
early detection. Hence, every woman needs to undergo routine tests and screening.
World Cancer Day quotes
“Cancer is not death sentence, but rather it is life sentence; it pushes one to live.” – Marcia
Smith
“We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up or fight like hell.” – Lance
Armstrong
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali
“You have to be willing to give up the life you planned, and instead, greet the life that is
waiting for you.”- Joseph Campbell
“You can be a victim of cancer or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.” – Dave Pelzer
“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.” –
Stuart Scott
“To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.” –
Katherine Paterson
Why World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4th February?

World Cancer Day was founded on February 4, 2000 at the first World Summit Against
Cancer for the New Millenium, which was held in Paris. Every year since then, the day has
been observed with a different theme to spread awareness about the disease, its prevention
and treatment and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
The day is a global initiative that is led by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It
supports the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, which were written in 2008.


2022
National News
India becomes the third country in the world to record over 5 lakh deaths from the Covid-19
pandemic.
World Cancer Day is marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its
prevention, detection and treatment.
34 states and UTs including Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu are reportedly reporting
a fall in Covid-19 cases and positivity rate.
Actor Sunil Grover, who underwent 4 bypass surgeries after undergoing a heart attack, has now
been discharged.
Sports News
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly hints dropping Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the
national cricket team.
India announces diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing over the Galwan
soldier row.
International News
US President Joe Biden confirms the death of Islamic State leader after US raid in Syria.
United States to send warships and fighter jets to assist UAE after Yemen Houthi attacks.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls Beijing Winter Olympics a great victory in his
congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
South Korean company launched nose-only masks, kosk, for eating in a covid-safe manner. The
mask only covers the nose and can continue to be worn while eating and drinking.

NASA's first uncrewed Artemis I mission to Moon delayed until March.

PM Modi inaugurates Statue of Equality,

kickstarts ICRISAT's 50th anniversary
celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 216-feet tall 'Statue of Equality' commemorating
the 11th-century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya in Shamshabad, Hyderabad on February 5,
2022. The statue is made up of a combination of five metals.
Telangana | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 216-feet tall 'Statue of Equality'
commemorating the 11th-century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya in Shamshabad
pic.twitter.com/dxTvhQEagz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the International
Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Patancheru and inaugurated two
ICRISAT research facilities on February 5, 2022.
PM Modi inaugurated ICRISAT’s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection and
Rapid Generation Advancement Facility. The Prime Minister also launched a commemorative
stamp issued on the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the ICRISAT in Hyderabad
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates ICRISAT’s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection
and Rapid Generation Advancement Facility. PM also launches a commemorative stamp issued
on the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the ICRISAT in Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/dKEqK6LqyH

Statue of Equality
• The 216-feet tall Statue of Equality commemorates 11th-century Bhakti Saint Sri
Ramanujacharya, who promoted the idea of equality in all aspects including faith, caste and
creed.
• The Statue of Equality is made up of panchaloha, a combination of five metals including gold,
silver, brass, copper and zync.

• The statue will be one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position, in the world.
• The statue is mounted on a 54-ft high base building called ‘Bhadra Vedi’. The building has
floors devoted for a Vedic digital library with ancient Indian texts and research centre, a theatre
and an educational gallery detailing many works of Sri Ramanujacharya.
• The statue has been conceptualised by Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram's Sri Chinna Jeeyar
Swami.
Other Details
PM Modi also visited identical recreations of 108 Divya Desams (ornately carved temples) that
surround the Statue of Equality. A 3D Presentation Mapping programme was showcased during
the event on the life journey and teaching of Sri Ramanujacharya.
Sri Ramanujacharya worked tirelessly for the upliftment of people with the spirit of every human
being equal regardless of nationality, gender, race, caste or creed. The inauguration of the Statue
of Equality is a part of the 12-day Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Samaroham, the ongoing 1000th
birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramanujacharya.
What is ICRISAT?
The International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) conducts
agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The international
organisation helps farmers by providing improved crop varieties and hybrids. It also helps
smallholder farmers in the drylands fight climate change.

Chandrayaan 3 launch scheduled for August

2022: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Chandrayaan 3 Launch Date: The much-awaited Chandrayaan 3 mission is scheduled for

launch in August 2022, informed Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &
Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written to the Lok Sabha on February 2, 2022.
The Union Minister said that the realization of the Chandrayaan 3 mission is in progress, based
on the learnings from Chandrayaan-2 and suggestions made by the national level experts. Many
related hardware and their special tests have been completed successfully and the launch is
scheduled for August 2022.
A successful soft landing on the Moon will make India the fourth country to do so and first
to do so near the lunar South Pole. India's Chandrayaan 2 mission had previously crashed at
what is now called the Jawahar point on the moon.
Read more: Space is hard, we commend ISRO’s attempt to land Chandrayaan 2 mission:
NASA
Chandrayaan 3 Mission
The Chandrayaan 3 mission is the third planned lunar exploration mission by the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It follows ISRO's Chandrayaan 2 mission, which though
successfully deployed its orbiter around the Moon but failed to soft-land its lander and deploys its
rover after a last-minute glitch in soft landing guidance software.
Similar to Chandrayaan 2 mission, Chandrayaan-3 will also include a modified lander and
rover. The mission will not include an orbiter, due to the success of the Chandrayaan 2
orbiter. It will use the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter to communicate with the earth.
The rocket that will launch the Chandrayaan 2 spacecraft has been declared ready and it awaits
launch day.
The Chandrayaan 3 mission was scheduled to launch in 2020 itself but it got delayed due to the
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of ISRO's missions were pushed back due to the pandemic. ISRO conducted only two
routine launches last year, out of which one aboard the GSLV rocket failed as the last stage of the
vehicle did not ignite due to loss of pressure.
The space agency plans to make up for the time lost with an extremely busy year ahead with at
least 8 launches planned this year.
Chandrayaan 2 mission
Chandrayaan 2 mission's lander module, Vikram lander was scheduled to make a historic moon
landing on September 7, 2019. A successful landing would have made India the first nation to
make a soft landing near the Moon's South Pole.
While Vikram Lander had successfully begun its powered descent and the entire mission seemed
to be progressing as planned, just a few seconds before touchdown, ISRO's Mission Control
Centre lost contact with the Vikram Lander.
ISRO released a formal statement saying that Vikram Lander’s descent was just as it had been
planned and normal performance was observed till it reached an altitude of 2.1 km, after which
they lost contact with the lander. It was discovered later with the help of NASA orbiter that Vikram
lander had crash-landed on the lunar surface.
The Chandrayaan 2 orbiter was though deployed properly and will reportedly continue to function
for at least seven years.
ISRO's attempt and Chandrayaan 2 mission achievements though received immense praise from
world leaders and foreign space agencies including NASA.
Only three countries have managed to successfully land missions on the Moon including
the Soviet Union, United States and China.

What are Sovereign Green Bonds announced

in Budget 2022? | Explainer of the Day
Sovereign Green Bonds: With the buzz around Budget 2022 now setting down, it is time to
evaluate some key measures that were announced by Finance Minister in her budget speech.
One key announcement in Budget 2022 Speech of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
was about Sovereign Gold Bonds. Announcing the measure, she noted that Sovereign Green
Bonds will be major part of Central Government’s Borrowing Programme 2022-23 and will be
used to “for mobilising resources for green infrastructure.” Mention of issuance of Green Bonds in
FY23 showcases India’s seriousness in pursuing climate action.
Let’s try and decode what are Sovereign Green Bonds and how they will Promote
Environmental Goals through Government Borrowings!
Green Financing
In November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the Climate Change
Conference in Glasgow, Scotland made a historic announcement about India achieving ‘Net Zero
Carbon Emissions’ by 2070. While the announcement took many world leaders by surprise, it was
a major commitment by the Indian Government towards Climate Change. Since then, India has
announced several key steps towards this goal and Green Financing is one of the major
milestones of this journey. Green Financing refers to specific financial arrangement that are made
towards setting up environmentally sustainable projects addressing different aspects of climate
change. The issuance of Green Bonds by the Central Government would also be part of Green
Financing.
What are Green Bonds?
By its definition, Green Bonds are financial instruments that are issued by any sovereign entity,
inter-governmental groups or alliances, and corporates, with an aim to use the funds proceeds
towards environmentally sustainable projects. If we were to break down Bonds as financial debt
instrument, it amounts two aspects i.e., collection of funds and usage. In case of Green Bonds, for
the first aspect the Bonds are issued by the Sovereign Government to collect funds for a specific
purpose of financing eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable projects only.

There are different types and kinds of environmentally sustainable projects towards which the
funds gathered via Green Bonds can be used. Some examples for which funds collected via
Green Bonds can be used are:
- Renewable Energy Projects: Setting up of Solar Power Plants, Wind Mills, Biogas plants
and others
- Clean Transportation Projects: Electric Cars and their charging network, Funding research
in Green Fuels
- Energy Efficiently Projects: Setting up Green Buildings with zero waste, Eco-friendly
Recycling of Waste Materials, Projects aimed at conservation of Energy
Like any other Bonds being issued by the Government, even in case of Green Bonds, it would be
required to provide details about the projects that it plans to finance using the funds collected and
showcase its demonstratable impact on climate change and environmental aspects.
Also Read: Budget 2022: Decoding FM’s Speech for Govt Job Exams | Current Affairs
What will Green Bonds Fund?
While the details about the projects for which the Central Government will use the funds collected
via Green Bonds will be shared later on; there are several important initiatives mentioned in FM’s
Budget speech which Green Bonds might finance in the coming days.
- Battery Swapping Policy: FM Nirmala Sitharaman said that a new Battery Swapping Policy
will be notified by the Central Government to aid the Electrical Mobility sector. In addition to
this, the Central Government is also formulating interoperability standards for EV batteries
which will make Electric Vehicles more viable for potential buyers.
- PLI Scheme for Solar Panels: Another measure announced in Budget 2022 was about PLI
scheme for manufacturing of high-efficiency Solar Modules Panels in India. This will help
enhance use of renewable energy for various projects.
- Carbon Trading Bill: While not mentioned officially on the agenda, the Union Government is
also planning to introduce Carbon Trading Bill in Parliament, which will provide regulatory
framework for Carbon Trading.
Green Bonds: Global Scenario
With Climate change and Environmental Concerns being outlined as one of the biggest global
and external threats to their citizens, government across the globe have issued Green Bonds in
the last 5 year. In fact, by the end of 2022, as many as 24 Governments have issued Sovereign

Green, Social and Sustainability bonds, which amounts to a total of USD 111 billion, as per a
report published by London-based Climate Bonds Initiative.
Also Read: Budget 2022-23: List of important announcements related to the agriculture sector

India becomes first team to qualify for four

consecutive U19 World Cup finals
India has become the first team in the history of the U19 World Cup to qualify for four consecutive
U-19 World Cup finals. India made it through the final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
2022 after a 96-run win over Australia at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
India has qualified for the U19 World Cup finals backed by a phenomenal 204-run third-wicket
partnership between skipper Yash Dhull and deputy skipper Shaik Rasheed, which took India to
290/5 in their 50 overs. India scored 27 runs in the final over and Yash Dhull was named player of
the match for his spectacular century knock.
Leading by example
India’s captain Yash Dhull (left) and vice-captain Shaik Rasheed (right) built a huge partnership in
the #U19CWC semi-final.@OPPOIndia #shotoftheday pic.twitter.com/kIidOYPYgf
Australia fell 96 runs short with seven wickets down while chasing down the total. Indian spinner
Vicky Ostwal picked up 3 wickets, adding to Australia's unease at the crease. Australia will now
face Afghanistan on February 4th in the third-place playoff.
India become the first team in #U19CWC history to qualify for four consecutive finals
pic.twitter.com/KNVU6tEPKT

ICC U19 World Cup 2022 Final
The unbeaten India U19 team will now face England U19, another unbeaten team in the ICC U19
World Cup Final on February 5th at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound. The match will
begin at 6.30 pm IST.
Check ICC U19 World Cup Schedule 2022
India at U19 World Cups

Year Host Winner Runner-up
198 Australi Australia won by 5 Pakistan

8 a wickets 201 (49.3 overs)
199 South England won by 7 New Zealand

8 Africa wickets 241/6 (50 overs)
200 Sri India won by 6 Sri Lanka

0 Lanka wickets 178 (48.1 overs)
200 New Australia won by 7 South Africa

2 Zealand wickets 206/9 (50 overs)
200 Banglad Pakistan won by 25 West Indies

4 esh runs 205 (47.1 overs)
200 Sri Pakistan won by 38 India

6 Lanka runs 71 (18.5 overs)
200 Malaysi India won by 12 South Africa

8 a runs (D/L) 103/8 (25 overs)
201 New Australia won by 25 Pakistan

0 Zealand runs 182 (46.4 overs)
201 Australi India won by 6 Australia

2 a wickets 225/8 (50 overs)
201 South Africa won by Pakistan

UAE
4 6 wickets 131 (44.3 overs)
201 Banglad West Indies won by 5 India

6 esh wickets 145 (45.1 overs)
201 New India won by 8 Australia

8 Zealand wickets 216 (47.2 overs)
202 South Bangladesh won by 3 India

0 Africa wickets (D/L) 177 (47.2 overs)
202 West
TBD
2 Indies

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell wins ICC Spirit

of Cricket Award 2021
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021 winner: New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell has been named the
winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021 for his gesture during the New Zealand vs England
semifinal in the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Mitchell has become the fourth New Zealand cricketer to win the award after Daniel Vettori,
Brendon McCullum and skipper Kane Williamson. Mitchell won the award for refusing to take a
single in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England on November 10, 2021.
A gesture that won the hearts of millions
Daryl Mitchell – the winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021
Details https://t.co/pLfSWlfIZB pic.twitter.com/zq8e4mQTnz
Speaking on receiving the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021, Daryl Mitchell said, "It’s an honour to
receive the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. To be part of that T20 World Cup in UAE was an amazing
experience, and to receive an award like this is pretty cool."
He added saying, "It’s something that we pride ourselves on as New Zealanders, the way we go
about playing our cricket, and yes, the Spirit of Cricket side. I felt I got in the way and we wanted
to win on our own terms, and didn’t want to be controversial in such a big game. It paid off in the
long run that we won the game. "
"It’s something that we pride ourselves on as New Zealanders."
Daryl Mitchell joined an elite list of names that includes Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and
Kane Williamson to become the fourth Kiwi to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award
More https://t.co/RKcgvwwAob pic.twitter.com/i0oXA1RCdv

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award - Winning Moment

The incident occurred on the first ball of the 18th over when New Zealand was 133/4, well on
course to chase down England's competitive total of 166/4 in the first semifinal of the ICC Men's
T20 World Cup 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Daryl Mitchell was well settled on the crease after establishing a comfortable partnership with in-
form James Neesham. England's Adil Rashid bowled the first ball of the 18th over and Neesham
slammed the ball down the ground.
It would have been an easy single but Mitchell, who was at the non-striker's end, refused to take
the run saying that he had come in the way of Rashid while he was getting to the ball.
Mitchell's gesture oozed class as he had taken the call to play with the right spirit in the middle of
a high-pressure chase, with the place in the World Cup finals at stake. The gesture was
applauded by former England cricketer and presenter Nasser Hussain, who said, "That is
very good. That is so New Zealand, it really is."
Speaking on the same after the match, Mitchell said, "It was a pretty tight game against
England in that semi-final, with only a few overs to go. Neesh (Jimmy Neesham) hit a
single down to long-off I think it was, and I felt like I’d obstructed Rashid from getting to
the ball."
He added saying, "The game that we play, we play it because we love it. Yes, we want to win as
much as we can, but we don’t want that to come about from doing things that go against the
values of cricket. Spirit of Cricket is vitally important. It sets a platform for kids in the future, who
will go about playing the game in the right way."
Eventually, New Zealand won the semifinal after chasing down England's total with an over to
spare. Daryl Mitchell who had opened the batting proved to be the match-winner with a
memorable knock of 72 not out in only 47 deliveries.
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award winners 2011-2019
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2011 winner- MS Dhoni (India)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2012 winner - Daniel Vettori (New Zealand)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2013 winner - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2014 winner - Katherine Brunt (England)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2015 winner - Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2016 winner - Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2017 winner - Anya Shrubsole (England)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2018 winner - Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2019 winner - Virat Kohli (India)


2022
National News
Central government to sell at least 5 percent stake in LIC IPO.
Veteran actor Ramesh Deo passed away on February 2, 2022 following a heart attack at the age
of 93.
Actor-filmmaker Amitabh Dayal passed away at the age of 51 after suffering a major heart attack.
Actor Sunil Grover undergoes heart surgery at Mumbai's Asian Heart Institute. As per a source,
he is recuperating well and should be discharged soon.
International News
China's losses in the Galwan clash with India were much higher than reported with many soldiers
drowning while crossing a fast-flowing river in darkness, according to an investigative Australian
newspaper.
US President Joe Biden sends 3,000 US troops to bolster NATO forces in Eastern Europe,
Russia called the US deployments "destructive steps.
Israel plans to surround itself with a laser wall to intercept missiles.
UNSC called for an immediate end to all forms of violence in Myanmar and expressed hope that a
special UN envoy will be allowed entry to mediate the crisis.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol Ju, made a rare appearance before the state
media on February 2, 2022, the first in nearly five months.
CNN President Jeff Zucker resigns abruptly after nine years after acknowledging a consensual
relationship with a co-worker.
Sports News

India reached the ICC U19 World Cup final by beating Australia by 96 runs in the second
semifinal.
Mayank Agarwal included in India's 18-member ODI squad for West Indies series after seven
members including Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad test positive for COVID-
19
BCCI is set to host a day-night Test against Sri Lanka as a part of home series, which includes
three T20Is and two Test matches.
First-ever Kerala Olympic Games, which were slated to be held in mid-February, have been
rescheduled for May due to COVID-19 pandemic situation.
KL Rahul moves up to fourth position in ICC T20 Batsmen Rankings, while Virat Kohli and Rohit
Sharma remained static at the 10th and 11th positions respectively.

Neeraj Chopra nominated for Laureus World

Breakthrough of the Year 2022 Award
Laureus World Sports Award 2022: India's Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra has been
nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award 2022. He is one of the six
nominees for the award. The other nominees include Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev, British
tennis player Emma Raducanu, Spanish footballer Pedri, Australian Olympic champion Ariarne
Titmus and Venezuelan athlete Yulimar Rojas.
Neeraj Chopra is the third Indian athlete to be nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards
after wrestler Vinesh Phogat in 2019 and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had won the
Laureus Sporting Moment 2000-2020 Award.
Six incredible athletes who burst onto the scene in 2021, here are Nominees for the 2022
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award:
@Neeraj_chopra1
@DaniilMedwed
@Pedri
@EmmaRaducanu
@TeamRojas45
#AriarneTitmus#Laureus22 pic.twitter.com/kfmU1qnAZg
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) February 2, 2022
Neeraj Chopra is the first-ever Indian athlete to win the Olympic gold medal in the javelin
throw with a throw of 87.58 in the final at Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Neeraj Chopra third Indian to be nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards
The 23-year-old Neeraj Chopra is one of the only two Indians to have won individual Olympic
gold. The first-ever Indian to win individual gold at the Olympics was Abhinav Bindra in air rifle in
2008. Chopra won the gold in his Olympic debut at Tokyo.
He has now become the third Indian athlete to have been nominated for the Laureus World
Sports Award after Vinesh Phogat and Sachin Tendulkar. The cricket legend won the Laureus
Sporting Moment Award 2000-2020, which marked the emotional moment during the 2011 ICC

World Cup, when Tendulkar was carried by the team on their shoulders in a lap of honour after
India's win.
He is only the third Indian athlete to be nominated for a Laureus Award, after wrestler Vinesh
Phogat in 2019 and cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who won the Laureus Sporting Moment
Award 2000-2020.
Speaking on his nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards, Neeraj Chopra said, "I'm
delighted to be nominated for this Laureus Award and it's a great honour for me to be
recognised in the wider sporting world for what I achieved in Tokyo. From being a kid in a
small village in rural India who only took up the sport to get fit, to standing on top of an
Olympic podium, it's been quite an eventful journey so far."
He added saying, "I feel privileged to be able to represent my country and win India medals at the
global stage, and now to have this recognition from Laureus and be considered alongside such
exceptional athletes is a really special feeling."
A special feeling to be nominated along with some exceptional athletes for the Laureus World
Breakthrough of the Year award.
Congratulations to @DaniilMedwed, @pedri, @EmmaRaducanu, @TeamRojas45 and Ariarne

Titmus on their nominations. #Laureus22 pic.twitter.com/16pUMmvQBE
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) February 2, 2022

Laureus World Sports Awards
The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony that honours individuals and
teams from the world of sports. The awards were established in 1999 by Laureus Sport for Good
Foundation founders Daimler and Richemont. The name "Laureus" is derived from the Greek
word for laurel, which is considered as a traditional symbol of victory in athletics.
The first-ever Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony was conducted on May 25, 2000 in Monte
Carlo. Late South African president Nelson Mandela had given the keynote speech at the
inaugural event.
The Laureus World Sports Awards comprise the following six categories:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
Laureus World Team of the Year
Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year
Laureus Action Sportsperson of the Year
The winners in each of the six categories are decided by a panel comprising of leading sports
journalists and broadcasters from around the world. This year's awardees will be decided by over
1300 panelists. The names of the winners will be revealed in April after a vote by the Laureus
World Sports Academy, which is the world's ultimate sports jury that is made up of 71 of the
world's greatest sporting legends of all times.
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer with six wins has won the maximum Laureus World Sports
Awards including 5 for Sportsman of the Year and one for Comeback of the Year.
Lionel Messi became the first footballer and first athlete from a team sport to win the Laureus
World Sportsman of the Year award in the 2020 ceremony.

Hoysala temples in Karnataka nominated for

World Heritage Sites list 2022-23
India has finalised the Hoysala Temples in Karnataka as its nominations for consideration in the
World Heritage Sites List for 2022-23. The Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebeedu in Hassan
district and Somanathapura in Mysuru district have been nominated. They were finalized by
the Union Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy
confirmed the news through a tweet on January 31, 2022. The Minister tweeted, "The most
exquisite Hoysala Temples of Belur, Halebeedu & Somanathapura in Karnataka have been
finalised as India’s nomination for consideration as World Heritage for the year 2022-2023.
The 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala' are on the UNESCO’s Tentative list since 15th April
2014”."
The Minister further said let us sincerely pray that these temples get inscribed as World Heritage
in 2023. He tweeted, "These temples represent one of the highest points of human creative
genius and stand testimony to the rich historical and cultural heritage of our country."
These temples represent one of the highest points of human creative genius and stand testimony
to the rich historical and cultural heritage of our country.
My hearty congrats to all those involved in this exercise.@PMOIndia @MinOfCultureGoI

@UNESCO
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) January 31, 2022
India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma formally submitted the

nomination bid to UNESCO, Director of World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou. The centre's official
statement on the same confirmed, "The first step is the submission of the dossier to the World
Heritage Centre which will do the technical scrutiny of the same."
UNESCO is expected to communicate back by early March, after which the site evaluation will
happen around September /October 2022 and the nomination will be taken up for consideration in
July-August 2023.
#India is proud to nominate The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas for @UNESCO’s World

Heritage List! Art historians recognize the exceptional sculptural artistry of the ensembles to be
among the masterpieces of Asian art. @ASIGoI pic.twitter.com/bu2rmDpou7
— Vishal V. Sharma (@VishalVSharma7) January 31, 2022

Hoysala Temples in Karnataka
The Hoysalas temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapur were reportedly built in the 12th-
13th centuries. The masterpieces represent and attest to the creativity and skill of the Hoysala
artists and architects. Hoysala architecture is the building style that was developed by architects
under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries.
The Hoysala influence was at its peak in the 13th century and several large and small temples
built during the era remain today as examples of the Hoysala architectural style. The Hoysala
temples include Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu and the
Kesava Temple at Somanathapura.
There are several other examples of Hoysala craftsmanship such as the temples at Hosaholalu,
Belavadi, Amruthapura, Basaralu, Mosale, Arasikere, Nuggehalli and Kikkeri. The Hoysala
architectural style reveals a negligible Indo-Aryan influence and a more distinct impact of
Southern Indian style.
The Hoysala temples are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Their conservation and maintenance is done by ASI but the Karnataka state government will
ensure the conservation of state-protected monuments around these three monuments.

PR Sreejesh becomes second Indian to win

World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 award
World Games Athlete of the Year 2021: Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh
was named World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 on January 31, 2022. He became the first
Indian male athlete and second Indian sportsperson overall to win the honour.
Indian women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal was the first Indian to win the World
Games Athlete of the Year honour in 2020 .
PR Sreejesh was an integral part of the Indian men's hockey team that won the bronze medal in
the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The 33-year-old beat Spain's sport climbing Olympic champion Alberto
Ginés López and Italian wushu player Michele Giordano to win the World Games Athlete of the
Year 2021 award.
Huge congratulations to The World Games Athlete of 2021, Hockey goalkeeper star PR Sreejesh!
Also big congratulations to the runners-up, Sport Climbing Olympic champion Alberto Ginés
López and Wushu star Michele Giordano . #TheWorldGamesAOTY @FIH_Hockey
@ProtectiveLife pic.twitter.com/5AYM0stgY4
— The World Games (@TheWorldGames) January 31, 2022
Overall, 24 sportspeople from 17 countries were nominated for the annual award based on
the individual and team performances. The winner was decided after three weeks of online
voting.
World Games Athlete of the Year 2021
PR Sreejesh was the clear winner with a total of 1,27,647 votes, which was almost twice the
number of votes received by the first runner-up Albert Ginés Lopez, who received 67,428
votes.
#TheWorldGamesAOTY Sreejesh helped India claim bronze at the 2020 Olympics – their 1st
Olympic hockey medal in 41 years. He is admired for his sportsmanship, kindness, and a desire
to make the world a better place. You'll learn more about the true team player in the days to
come! pic.twitter.com/6ude3Y1itC


Congratulations to the 1st runner-up, #SportClimbing Olympic Champion Alberto Ginés López !
You will learn more about him as well in the days to come #TheWorldGamesAOTY
#WeAreTheWorldGames pic.twitter.com/Mq9yfMRZbD
Italian Wushu star Michele Giordano was the 2nd runner-up with 52,046 votes.
Speaking after winning the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021, PR Sreejesh said in a video
statement that he is very honoured to win this award. He thanked FIH for nominating him for this
award and also thanked all the Indian hockey lovers around the world, who voted for him.
He dedicated his award to fans and hockey lovers saying, "I think they deserve this award
more than me. It's a big moment for Indian Hockey as well because everyone in the hockey
community, all the hockey federations around the world voted for me, so it's great to see
that support from the hockey family."
Thank you very much
It’s a great honour for me to receive the world games Athelet of the year 20201
https://t.co/rPy1andVp2 this occasion I would like to thank you all for taking your precious time to
cast vote for me.
Thank you I @FIH_Hockey @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/88V8yrmQsS
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) January 31, 2022
PR Sreejesh’s wall-like presence in front of the goal helped India reach third place in global
ranking in 2021, which is its best-ever ranking. Sreejesh was also named the FIH goalkeeper
of the year 2021 in the FIH Stars Awards in October 2021.

Lieutenant General PGK Menon appointed as

new Military Secretary in Army Headquarters
Lieutenant General PGK Menon has been appointed as the new Military Secretary in the Army
Headquarters. He was previously serving as the commander of the Leh-based Fire and Fury
Corps.
The Military Secretary is one of the Principal Staff Officers of the Chief of Army Staff. The role of
the Military Secretary is being responsible for promotions and postings of the entire officer cadre
of the Indian Army.
Headquarters. Earlier, he was the commander of the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps.
pic.twitter.com/gHt6W4qnoG

About Lt.Gen PGK Menon
Lieutenant General PGK Menon was appointed as the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps,
known as Fire and Fury Corps in October 2020 amid continued tensions between India and China
at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
He had replaced Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, who had completed his one-year tenure as the
commander of the corps.
He took command of the 14 Corps at a critical time when winter was setting in and troops from
both India and China were positioned in the forward areas, for the first time since the 1962 India-
China War.
The Lieutenant General was actively involved in the deliberations on the Indian Army's response
to China. He had led the last round of military talks held between India and China to de-escalate
tensions along the border. He had also been a part of the first-ever joint military and the
diplomatic-level meeting between India and China on September 21, 2020.
The Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps have a dual task of dealing with China in Ladakh and
Pakistan in the Siachen and Drass-Kargil-Batalik sector.

Lt. Gen. Menon was commissioned in the 17th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. He also served as
the colonel commandant of the Sikh Regiment.
He served as the Colonel GS (General Staff) in the 3 Division of the Army in 2008.
He returned to the 14 Corps in 2014 as the Brigadier General Staff in charge of operations.
He also commanded the 71 Division in Eastern Tawang in the Eastern Command as a major
general.


2022
National News
Rajya Sabha to discuss Motion of Thanks on President's Address for 12 hours and Union Budget
for over 11 hours
Jinnah Tower in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur painted in tricolour and arrangements to be made to
hoist the national flag near it.
Real-estate sector hail Union Budget 2022-23 and term it as a growth-inducing budget.
Tele Mental Health centres can be a game-changer in the country, says Director of Bengaluru's
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Dr Pratima Murthy.
Supreme Court directs to ensure child-friendly practices be adopted during the examination of
witnesses
Headquarters.
International News
Pfizer and BioNTech seek emergency use authorization from US health regulators for use of their
Covid vaccine on children aged over six months and under five years.
Tonga, which is still struggling to recover from last month's devastating volcanic eruption, will go
into Covid-19 lockdown on February 3rd after two men tested positive for the coronavirus.
After UK and Denmark, France also relaxes COVID restrictions including wearing masks in the
outdoors despite hitting record levels of daily cases last month.
Pharma groups to pay $590 million to settle lawsuits connected to opioid addiction among Native
American tribal communities.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges 'immediate Russian de-escalation' during the call
with Russian Foreign Miniter Sergey Lavrov on Ukraine.
Sports News
Following a sensational 7-1 win over China, Indian women's hockey team continued their winning
streak, defeating China's team 2-1 yet again in FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 campaign.
Beijing 2022 Olympic torch relay kicks off in a low-key affair with audience strictly limited with
China encouraging its people to follow the event online.
Seven-time Super Bowl winner and NFL legend Tom Brady retired from National Football League
on February 1, 2022 after 22 seasons.
Science and Environment News
An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale hits Indonesia's Kepulauan Barat Daya, as
per European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
SpaceX successfully launches the Italian Cosmo-Skymed satellite on February 1, 2022.
Earth has a second known Trojan Asteroid, called 2020 XL5, which was discovered traveling in
the same solar orbit ahead of our planet.

IPL 2022 Player Auction List: Shikhar

Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Ashwin, Warner,
Cummins, Rabada among 590 players
IPL 2022 Player Auction List: The Indian Premier League (IPL) announced the final player
auction list on February 1, 2022. The mega IPL auction will include key Indian players including
Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, R Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuzvendra
Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shammi and Ishant Sharma.
Top foreign players also feature in the IPL 2022 Player Auction List such as – Faf du Plessis,
David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Quinton de Kock,
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Shakib Al Hasan and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Read Also: Latest Updates on IPL 2022 Mega Auction Live Streaming
The IPL 2022 Mega Auction is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. The
event will see ten IPL teams bidding to pick up the best players from the players pool. The ten IPL
teams include- Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai
Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Ahmedabad, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers
Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.
Among the 590 players included in the IPL 2022 Players Auction List, 228 are capped players,
355 are uncapped players and 7 belong to Associate Nations. The players includes a total of 370
Indian players and 220 overseas players, with 20 players with a reserve price of INR 1.5 crore
and 34 players with a reserve price of INR 1 crore.
The maximum number of overseas players are from Australia, followed by West Indies and
then South Africa.
10 Marquee Players at IPL 2022 Auction List
1. Shikhar Dhawan
2. Mohammad Shammi
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Faf du Plessis

5. David Warner
6. Trent Boult
7. Quinton de Kock
8. Pat Cummins
9. R Ashwin
10. Kagiso Rabada
IPL 2022 Player Auction List - Country-wise breakdown of 220 Foreign Players
Country Auction List
Afghanistan 17
Australia 47
Bangladesh 5
England 24
Ireland 5
New Zealand 24
South Africa 33
Sri Lanka 23
West Indies 34
Zimbabwe 1
Namibia 3
Nepal 1
Scotland 2
USA 1

Union Budget 2022-23: What Got Costlier and

What Got Cheaper; Check Full List Here
Union Budget 2022: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced slew of changes in
the customs duty for several products in her Union Budget Speech 2022, which will invariably
affect the price of the commodities.
FM Sitharaman announced 5 percent reduction in customs duty on gems, cut and polished
diamonds. The customs duty on imitation jewelry and chemicals has also been reduced, while the
customs duty on umbrellas has been increased to 20 percent.
The Finance Minister informed that in order to incentivise exports, exemptions are being provided
on items including buttons, zippers, embellishment, trimmings, lining material, fasteners, specified
leather, furniture fittings and packaging boxes that may be required by the exporters of textiles,
handicrafts and leather products.
Let us check what has got costlier and what has got cheaper with these changes-
What has got Cheaper?
Cut and Polished Diamonds
Gemstones
Imitation Jewelry
Mobile Phones
Mobile Phone charger
Leather Garments, products
Farming goods
Clothes
Acetic acid

Methyl alcohol
Cocoa beans
Asafoetida
Frozen mussels
Frozen squid
Camera Lens
Steep scrap
Chemicals needed for petroleum products
What has got costlier?
Umbrella
All imported items
The changes in the pricing of the commodities will be effective from the beginning of the
fiscal year 2022-23 on April 1, 2022.

Budget 2022: Decoding FM’s Speech for Govt

Job Exams | Current Affairs
Budget 2022 Key Announcements: FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2022 in
Parliament. While keeping the Income Tax Slabs unchanged, FM announced a major change in
taxation as far as virtual digital assets are concerned. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
proposed a 30 per cent tax on income from transactions in such assets. Furthermore, FM Also
proposed Gati Shakti Programme which will boost infrastructure and create more jobs. On
education sector, FM has announced launch of a new Digital University as well as expansion of
PM eVIDYA with addition of new TV channels for supplementary education.
Here’s everything that you need to know about FM’s Budget Speech, especially for
upcoming Government Job Exams and Current Affairs Perspective.
Budget of Amrit Kal
FM Nirmala Sitharaman in term Budget Speech, termed Union Budget 2022 as the foundation for
Amirt Kal of Next 25 Years. She said “The Union Budget seeks to lay foundation and give
blueprint of the economy over ‘Amrit Kal’ of next 25 years – from India@75 to India@100.”
Budget 2022 - 4 Priorities of Govt
At the onset of her Budget Presentation, FM outlined the 4 Key Priorities that the Government
was trying to address through Budget 2022. These are:
- PM Gati Shakti
- Inclusive Development
- Optimize Productivity
- Financial Investment
Economy Related Announcements
On Economy front, FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech covered some very important point.
Building on her observations in the Economic Survey 2022 tabled yesterday, she reiterated that
India’s growth is highest among all major economies that puts it in a strong position to withstand
challenges. She said that Budget 2022 focuses on complimenting macro-economic growth along
with micro-all-inclusive-welfare. She also said that digital economy and fintech, tech-enabled

development, energy transition and climate action, will remain the key drivers in FY23.
- CAPEX Expansion: To help Indian Economy continue on its current growth path, FM
expanded the CAPEX target by 35.4% i.e., from Rs 5.54 Lakh Crore to Rs 7.50 Lakh Crore.
This takes the effective CAPEX for FY23 to Rs 10.7 Lakh Crore.
- ECLGS Extended, Coverage Expanded: Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
(ECLGS) to be extended till March 2023 and guarantee cover will be raised by Rs 50,000 cr
to Rs 5 lakh cr. This scheme provided collateral free loans to stressed MSMEs.
- PLI Schemes: She also mentioned that Productivity-linked incentive schemes in 14 sectors
have received excellent response; received investment intentions worth Rs 30 lakh crore
- Public Investment and Capital Spending: One economic front she mentioned that post-
pandemmic Economic recovery will be spearheaded through two-pronged approach i.e.,
public investment and capital spending. This Budget will provide impetus to growth through
these two factors.
Also Read: Capex Budget 2022: Capital Expenditure Hike by 30%, Check Key Highlights
Here
Taxation: Income Tax, Crypto Tax, Customs Duty
Towards the Business end of her Budget Speech, FM Nirmala Sitharaman touched upon some
key aspects of Direct Taxation.
- No Change in IT Slabs: The Income Tax Slabs for FY23 remain unchanged and no
announcement in this regards has been made by FM.
- Digital Assets Transfer: Digital Assets Sale to be taxed at 30% and 1% TDS is to be
collected on transfer of these assets. Furthermore, no deduction will be allowed to set off loss
while computing of income except cost of acquisition.
- Update IT Return: New provision has been introduced to allow citizens to file an updated
return within 2 years from the end of the relevant assessment year
- Alternate Minimum Tax for cooperative societies to be cut to 15%
- Surcharge on Co-operative Societies reduced to 7% for income between Rs 1 Crore and
10 Crore.
- Tax deduction limit for Govt Employees increased to 14% on employers contribution to
NPS account of state govt employees
Also Read: Income Tax Budget 2022: No change in Income Tax slabs, 30 percent tax on
virtual asset transfer

Jobs and Employment
Addressing the Job Crisis that India faces, FM made some critical announcements in Job
Creations space. She mentioned that the extension in ECLGS Scheme until March 2023 is
expected to boost employment and job creation. Other key announcements include:
- Govt plans to create 60 Lakh New Jobs in next 5 Years

- Digital Ecosystem for Skilling of Employable Youth to be launched
- Online Training Platforms for Reskilling, Upskilling of Citizens to be launched
- Govt also to promote API based skill credentials, payment layers to find relevant jobs and
opportunities
Infrastructure Boost: PM Gati Shakti
As identified at the start of her speech, FM announced several measures to boost infrastructure
under PM Gati Shakti Programme. She added that PM Gati Shakti will pull forward the economy
and will lead to more jobs and opportunities for the youth. The key highlights of the same are as
follows:
- National highway network to be expanded by 25,000 kms during FY 22-23

- Desh stack e-portal to be launched to promote digital infra
- 2,000 kms of Roads to be brought under Kavach by FY 22-23
- Four multi-modal national parks contracts will be awarded in FY23
- One product one railway station will be popularised
- 400 new Vande Bharat trains to be introduced
- PM Gatishakti masterplan for expressways will be formulated in next financial year
- 100 PM Gati Shakti terminals to be set up in next three years
Housing and Urban Planning
FM’s Budget Speech also focused on issues of Housing and Urban Planning in the country. To
this end, FM announced allocation of Rs 48,000 Crore towards PM Awas Yojna in FY23.
- 80 Lakh Houses under PM Awas: She mentioned that in 2022-23, over 80 Lakh new
houses will be completed and issued to identified beneficiaries under the PM Awas Yojna. Of
these, over 60,000 houses will be identified as beneficiaries for PM Awas Yojana in rural &
urban areas.
- Har Ghar Jal: FM also allocated Rs 60,000 Crore for providing access to tap water to 3.8
crore households during this FY
- Urban Planning Taskforce: Govt plans to constitute a high-level committee which will

include urban planners and economists to make recommendations on urban capacity

building, planning implementation, and governance
- Urban Planning Institutes: 5 existing academic institutions for urban planning to be
designated as Centre for Excellence with endowment fund of Rs 250 cr
- Other Announcements:
- Govt to introduce Modern building by-laws to better manage urban infrastructure
- Govt to promote use of public transport in urban areas through specialized schemes
Budget Announcement for MSMEs & startups
Union Budget 2022 also announced some key measures for MSMEs and StartUps. The key
among the was introduction of a new programme with budget allocation of Rs 6000 Crore over
next 5 years.
- Interlinking of MSME portals: FM in her budget speech also announced that MSME portals
such as Udyam, e-shram, NCS & Aseem will be interlinked and their scope would be widened
further. These portals would now function as live organic databases for providing different
services around credit facilitation, enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities
- Rural Start-ups: Govt will launch a fund with blended capital raised under co-investment
model facilitated through NABARD. This fund would be used to finance startups in agriculture
& rural enterprises space.
- Drone Shakti Startups: FM also announced that Startups will promoted for Drone Shakti
Programme
Also Read: Crypto Budget 2022 Highlights: Digital Rupee to be Issued; Check Tax on
Crypto in India
Agriculture Budget 2022: Kisan Drones
The key announcements around Agriculture sector are as follows:
- Procurement under MSP: Govt has allocated Rs 2.37 Lakh Crore for procurement of wheat
and paddy under MSP operations. FM also announced that 2022-23 year has been declared
as the International Year of Millets and Govt policies will also revolve round this.
- Oil Production to be Ramped Up: FM announced that a rationalised scheme to increase
domestic oilseed production will be brought in to cut down imports.
- Kisan Drones: Ushering in new wave of agricultural technology, FM announced that Kisan
Drones will be used for crop assessment, land records, spraying of insecticides
- River Linking Project: FM in her budget speech also said that Draft DPRs for 5 river links

have been finalised. Along with this, she also mentioned that Ken Betwa River linking project
worth Rs 44,605 crore announced.
- Other Announcements:
- Finance startups to be incentives to aid rural enterprises
- Natural farming will be promoted along Ganga river corridor
- A completely paperless, e-bill system will be launched by ministries for procurement
- Financial support will be provided to farmers to take up agro-forestry
Battery swapping Policy: Boost for Electric Vehicles
In a major boost for Electrical Vehicles, Finance Minister announced that new Battery swapping
policy will be notified by the Central Government to allow EV charging stations for automobiles
reduce their turn-around time. On similar lines, Private sector will be encouraged to create
sustainable and innovative business models for battery and energy as a service, improving the
efficiency in the EV ecosystem.
Education Budget 2022
Education was also one of the major sectors in focus as far as Budget 2022 is concerned. Some
of the key announcements about Education Budget 2022 are as follows:
- Agri Education: State Government will be encouraged by Central agencies to revise syllabi
of agricultural universities to meet needs of natural, zero-budget & organic farming, modern-
day agriculture
- PM eVIDYA Expansion: ‘One class, one TV channel’ launched to assist virtual learning and
Supplementary Education will be expanded from current 12 channels to over 200 new TV
Channels. These new channels would focus on providing education in regional languages to
students of Class 1 to 12 Students.
- New Digital University: FM Nirmala Sitharaman also announced launch of a new Digital
university which provide education and skill upgradation opportunities. It will be built on hub
and spoke model
Finance Related Announcement
- Financial Assistance to States: Rs 1 lakh crore financial assistance to states to be provided

in 2022-23 to catalyse investments
- Digital Rupee by RBI: FM also proposed to introduce Digital Rupee by RBI using blockchain
technology, starting 2022-23 under RBI regulation. Measures will be taken to step up private
capital in infra sector

- Post Offices to join Core Banking: FM also announced that 100% of 1.5 lakh post offices
will come on the core banking system, enabling financial inclusion and access to accounts
through net banking, mobile banking, ATMs, and also provide online transfer of funds
between post office accounts and bank accounts. This move is expected to benefit farmers
and senior citizens in rural areas.
- New Digital Banks: FM also announced launch of 75 new digital banks in 75 districts by
scheduled commercial banks to encourage digital payments.
- GIFT City Related Announcements: International arbitration centre will be set up in GIFT
city to provide faster dispute resolution. FM also made provision for launch of World-class
university in GIFT City free from domestic regulation.
Health Sector
In healthcare sector, the two biggest announcements covered National Digital Health Ecosystem
and National Tele Mental Health Programme.
- National Digital Health Ecosystem: The key announcement for Health Care sector in Union
Budget 2022 covered launch of National Digital Health Ecosystem. This ecosystem will be
organized as an open platform that will include digital registries of health providers and health
facilities, unique health identity and universal access to health facilities.
- National Tele Mental Health Programme: Prioritizing mental health of citizens, the
government plans to launch a national-level mental health counselling programme this year.
Telecom Sector: 5G Spectrum Auction, BharatNet Project
For Telecom Sector, the biggest announcement in FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech was about
roll-out of 5G Spectrum. She said that Spectrum Auction for 5G technology will be conducted by
end of 2022. In addition to this, to boost 5G technology, she also added that new scheme will be
launched for design-led manufacturing to aid 5G ecosystem.
- 5G Ecosystem Development: To enable affordable broadband and mobile communication in

rural and remote areas, government will launch PLI scheme in FY23.
- USO Fund towards R&D: FM also mentioned that 5% licence fee paid by telecom operators
towards USO Fund (Universal Service Obligation) will be provided for Research and
Development as well as technology upgradation
- BharatNet Project: Govt also plans to award new contacts under BharatNet Project under
PPP model to lay optical fibre in villages and rural areas in FY22-23.
- Infra Status to Data Centres: Establishment and Management of Data Centre and Energy
Storage Systems will be given Infrastructure Status, which will help companies get easy

financing options for the same.

Women Empowerment Schemes
FM Nirmala Sitharaman also announce 3 key schemes related to Women Empowerment. In her
budget speech, she said these schemes were launched to provide integrated development for
women and children.
- Mission Shakti
- Mission Vatsalya
- Poshan 2.0
In related news, over 2 lakh Anganwadis to be upgraded for improving child health during their
formative years.
Ease of Doing Business
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman’s Budget Speech outlined the top 4 Govt Priorities in FY23
and Optimization of Productivity was one of the major ones among them. To this end, she made
some key announcements about Ease of Doing Business in her budget presentation:
- Easing of Compliances and Laws: To streamline business operations, over 75,000

compliances have been eliminated and 1,486 union laws repealed
- Ease of Living: The next stage in Ease of Doing Business would also cover Ease of Living
that will launched soon.
- Voluntary Exits: On similar lines, voluntary exit for corporates to be cut down to 6 months
from 2 years.
Defence Budget 2022
Finance Minister also elaborated on Defence Budget allocation for FY23 in her speech. The
central theme of Defence Budget was to promote self-reliance in Defence Sector and in line with
this, of the total allocation 68% of Capital Procurement has been earmarked for domestic industry
in 2022-23 (up from the 58% last fiscal)
- Defence R&D Opened: Another key announcement from FM was about opening of
Deference R&D Sector for private industry, startups and academics. Of the total, 25% of
Defence R&D Budget will be allocated towards these. FM in her speech mentioned that
Private industry will be encouraged to take up the design and development of military
platforms and equipment in collaboration with DRDO and other organizations through SPV

model.
Railways and Transport in Union Budget 2022
Railways and Transport which use to be a major part of Govt’s overall Budget, took a relative
back-seat with only few announcement in this sector from FM. The key among them covers:
- National Highway Network to be expanded by 25,000 KMs

- 400 New Generation Vande Bharat Trains would be introduced with better efficiency in the
next 3 years.
- 100 PM Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to be setup in next 3 years
- Innovative Metro Construction Projects to be Commissioned
Union Budget on Climate Change & Net Zero Commitment
In her Budget 2022 presentation today, Finance Minister acknowledged climate change to be one
the biggest and strongest externalities for the world. To address concerns around climate change
and net-zero commitment, FM has allocated funds that will be used to reduce carbon intensity of
the economy.
- Green Bonds: She also introduced Green Bonds that will be part of the Central Govt’s
borrowings programme for FY 2022-23. Proceeds collected via Green Bonds will be deployed
towards Public Sector Projects.
- Coal Gasification: FM also announced launch of 4 Pilot Projects for Coal Gasification to
further reduce Carbon Footprint of the Economy.
- Boost for Solar: FM has set aside Rs 19,500 cr additional allocation for PLI for
manufacturing high efficiency solar modules has been made
Travel Related Announcements
FM in her speech said that Government will introduce ePassports in 2022-23 for convenience in
overseas travel. These passports will be equipped with advanced technology and will come
embedded with chip that will ease the travel procedures.
Also Read: Budget 2022: Important Points For UPSC (IAS) Exam 2022 - Check Major
Takeaways!

Capex Budget 2022: Capital Expenditure Hike

by 30%, Check Key Highlights Here
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a 35 per cent increase in the outlay for
capital expenditure in Financial Year 2022-23 in her Union Budget 2022 speech on February 2,
2022.
The capital expenditure will be increased from Rs 5.5 lakh crore in Budget 2021-22 to Rs 7.5 lakh
crore in Union Budget 2022-23. FM Sitharaman announced that the effective capital expenditure
will be Rs 10.68 lakh crore or 4.1 percent of GDP in 2022-23.
The Finance Minister noted that the public capital expenditure has been raised to pump prime the
investment cycle and support demand, thereby boosting India's economic recovery from the
COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Capital Expenditure?
Capital expenditure is the amount spent by the government on the development of infrastructure,
facilities, equipment etc. It also includes the expenditure incurred on acquiring fixed assets such
as land and investment by the government, which will give profits or dividends in the future.
Capital Expenditure hike significance
The major hike in capital expenditure will provide a major boost to the economy and lead to job
creation. The Finance Minister said that the virtuous cycle of investment is expected to revive on
the back of capital expenditure and crowd in private investment. The total spending for the
financial year 2022-23 has been estimated to be around Rs 39.45 trillion. This will constitute 2.9
percent of the GDP.
The government had significantly hiked capital expenditure last time as well by a record 26
percent to Rs 5.5 lakh crore. The increased government spending in form of capital expenditure
will help push growth and jobs.
Green Bonds
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also proposed to issue sovereign green bonds to mobilise

resources as part of the Government's borrowing programme.

Crypto Budget 2022 Highlights: Digital Rupee

to be Issued; Check Tax on Crypto in India
Crypto Budget 2022: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's intent
to introduce a digital rupee in her Union Budget 2022-23 speech on February 1, 2022. The
Finance Minister announced that the digital currency or digital rupee will be introduced by the
central bank of India using block chain and other technologies.
The RBI Digital Currency will be issued starting from 2022-23 fiscal year. FM Sitharaman stated
that the introduction of the central bank digital currency will give a huge boost to the economy.
What is RBI Digital Currency?
The RBI Digital Currency will be the same as the liquid cash we hold in our wallets and banks,
except it would be in a digital form. The digital rupee introduced by the RBI will be held in a digital
wallet, under the supervision of the central ban.
Will Digital Currency replace Physical Cash?
The introduction of digital rupee does not mean phasing out of physical cash, as it will continued
to be used by people and banks. The people who are interested in owning digital rupee may be
given the option of converting their deposits in the banks into the new RBI digital rupee.
RBI Digital Currency Significance
The announcement of the introduction of RBI digital currency is extremely significant as it comes
at a time when there is an increase in the demand for private cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.
The government approved digital currency will enable those who are hesitant in investing in
private cryptocurrencies given the risk factor involved, to feel more secure while investing.
Further, the cost of issuing digital currencies will be far lower than the cost of incurred during
printing and distribution of physical cash. The RBI would be able to create and distribute the
digital rupee at almost zero cost.
The introduction of the digital rupee may bring down the use of physical cash, in line with PM

Modi's vision of creating a digital India.
Digital currency will also reduce instances of corruption and fraud as the digital rupee will be
monitored by RBI and hence can be easily tracked.
Tax on crypto in India
Under taxation of virtual / digital assets, FM Nirmala Sitharaman made the following
announcements:
Any income earned from the transfer of virtual digital assets shall be taxed at a rate of 30 percent.
There will be no deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance while computing such
income, except cost of acquisition.
The loss from transfer of virtual assets shall not be set-off against any other income.
The gift of virtual assets shall also be taxed in the hands of recipients.
1 percent TDS (tax deducted at source) has been proposed on transactions in such asset classes
above a certain threshold.

Income Tax Budget 2022: No change in

Income Tax slabs, 30 percent tax on virtual
asset transfer
Income Tax Budget 2022: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed permission to
allow individuals to file an updated Income Tax Return within two years of the relevant
assessment year under Union Budget 2022-23 on February 1, 2022. The announcement aims to
provide an opportunity to the individuals who have made errors while filing the return to correct
their errors within 2 years.
The Finance Minister did not announce any change in the income tax slabs, in a huge
disappointment for many of the salaried individuals. The income tax slabs and rates will remain
same as before. The salaried individuals were expecting an upward revision in the basic tax
exemption limit.
To provide an opportunity to correct an error, taxpayers can now file an updated return within 2
years from the relevant assessment year: FM Nirmala Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/E73lNaXpGT
Following are the key announcements made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
under the Income Tax Budget 2022.
Reduced Income Tax Rates for Co-operatives
To provide a level-playing field between companies and cooperatives, FM Nirmala Sitharaman

has proposed to reduce income tax rates for co-operatives to 15 percent and reduce co-operative
surcharge from 12% to 7%. The corporate surcharge will also be reduced from 12% to 7%.
Tax Relief to Persons with Disability
The annuity and lumpsum received by parents or guardians attaining 60 years during lifetime of a
person with disability will be eligible for tax relief.
Parity between central and state governments
The tax deduction limit for employer contribution to NPS for state government employees to be

increased from 10 percent to 14 percent to bring them at par with central government employees.
Both Centre and States govt employees' tax deduction limit to be increased from 10% to 14% to
help the social security benefits of state govt employees and bring them at par with the Central
govt employees: FM Nirmala Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/qPUvX2JZzd

Incentives for startups
The period of incorporation of the eligible startups for providing tax incentives has been extended
till 2022-23.
Taxation of Virtual Digital Assets
Any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset shall be taxed at a rate of 30 percent. No
deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such
income, except cost of acquisition.
Deterrence of Tax Evasion

No set-off of loss allowed against an income detected during search and seizure.
Rationalization of surcharges
Surcharge on AOPs and long-term capital gains capped at 15 percent.
Indirect Taxes
The Gross GST collections for January 2022 are Rs 1,40,986 crores, which is the highest
since the inception of GST.
Customs Duty
-Customs duty on gems, cut and polished diamonds to be reduced to 5%.
-Customs Duty on Imitation Jewelry and Chemicals reduced.
-Customs Duty on umbrellas raised to 20% and the exemption on the import of parts of umbrellas
has been withdrawn.
-The duty on steep scrap has been extended by another year.
-Anti-dumping duty on stainless steel is being revoked.

-Customs duty on shrimp aquaculture to be reduced.
-Customs Duty on Sodium Cyanide to be increased.
Current Income Tax Regime
The current income tax regime will continue as it is, as no change was announced by FM Nirmala
Sitharaman. The Finance Minister had introduced a new tax regime in the Union Budget 2020
presentation, under which the tax rates were reduced for those willing to forego tax exemptions
and deductions. The new tax regime is optional for taxpayers, which means that they can either
pick the old tax regime or choose the new one.
Current Income Tax Regime- Check Income Tax Slabs and Rates
New Income Tax Regime Old Income Tax Regime
Income Slab
(2020) (2014)
Below Rs 2.5 lakh Nil Nil
Rs 2.5 lakh- Rs 5 lakh 5% 5%
Rs 5 to Rs 7.5 lakh 10% 20%
Rs 7.5 to Rs 10 lakh 15% 20%
Rs 10 to Rs 12.5 lakh 20% 30%
Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh 25% 30%
Over 15 lakh (No Change) 30% 30%


2022
National News
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2022 at 11 am at
the Parliament through a tab, instead of the traditional 'bahi khata'.
The central government has extended the suspension of biometric attendance in all its
departments and ministries till February 15 or until further order.
India finalises nomination of Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapura in

Karnataka for World Heritage List 2022-23.
The Election Commission of India has extended the ban on physical rallies till February 11.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi tests positive for COVID-19. The actor has isolated herself at home.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces relaxation in COVID restrictions, relaxes

night curfew timings to 11 pm-5 am and allows bars, restaurants and cinema halls to operate with
75% capacity.
Lt Gen Manoj Pande, new Vice Chief of the Army, was accorded Guard of Honour at South
Block today.
Lieutenant General GAV Reddy has been appointed as the new head of the Defence Intelligence
Agency, succeeding Lt Gen KJS Dhillon who superannuated today.
International News
African Union says suspends Burkina Faso after a coup by the military junta. The military junta
though informed on January 31st that it had restored the country's constitution and appointed the
coup's leader as head of state for a transitional period
Russia sends stance on Ukraine to the United States ahead of call between top diplomats of the
two nations.

Colombia demands removal from the '20 hunger hotspots' list by UN agencies. The report
published by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme stated
that around 7.3 million people in Colombia are food insecure and require food assistance in 2022.
An oil spill in eastern Ecuador damaged a nature reserve in Ecuadoran Amazon. The spill
reached a nature reserve and polluted a river that supplies water to indigenous communities.
Torrential rains cause deadly landslides in Franco da Rocha, southeastern Brazil. Dozens
of rescue workers and volunteers have rushed to the spot to find any remaining survivors.
BTS singer Jimin underwent surgery for acute appendicitis on January 31, 2022. He also tested
positive for COID-19.
US airline manufacturer Boeing has reached a major agreement with Qatar Airways that
includes the sale of 34 777X cargo planes to the airlines.

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MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

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